Nonprofit senior health insurance company Elderplan/HomeFirst opens Brooklyn community office

Elderplan/Homefirst, the nonprofit senior healthcare management organization, opened its first-ever Brooklyn office with a celebratory ribbon-cutting on Aug. 5.

The org provides a wide variety of Medicare Advantage insurance plans meant to close the gaps in healthcare access and ensure all of its members can receive high-quality care.

Its new community office, located at 6405 Seventh Ave. in Sunset Park, will be a resource for Elderplan members seeking support and information about their health plan coverage and how to access plan benefits, and will offer opportunities to participate in health and wellness activities.

In addition, it will offer resources for prospective beneficiaries to find valuable plan information and enroll.

Eldercare was founded in 1985, and was one of the first Medicare Social HMO demonstration projects in the U.S.

The org provides coverage for Medicare and dual Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries at every level of health, including special needs plans for nursing home certifiable members living at home. It also offers plans for residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and independent care communities.

HomeFirst opened enrollment in 2001 as one of the original Managed Long-Term Care Plans in New York State, caring for members who require assistance with activities of daily living to remain safely at home. HomeFirst earned a 5-Star rating in the most recent New York State Department of Health consumer guide.

David Wagner, president and CEO of MJHS Health System & Elderplan/HomeFirst, was thrilled about the organization's expansion into Brooklyn, the city's most populous borough, providing more resources to support existing and potential beneficiaries.

"The opening of another community office, in addition to our current portfolio in Flushing and Washington Heights, marks an important milestone in the continued growth of the health plan and is a testament to our unwavering commitment to addressing the health care needs of our current and future members," he said. "It's one of many reasons why Elderplan/HomeFirst continues leading the way to great care."

State Sen. Stephen Chan and Council Member Susan Zhuang, whose districts include part of Sunset Park, were equally elated to welcome the new addition to the neighborhood.

"Congratulations to Elderplan on the grand opening of its new Brooklyn Community Office. This investment reflects a strong commitment to serving our seniors and families by making quality healthcare resources more accessible," Chan said. "I look forward to our continued partnership in supporting the health and well-being of our community."

Zhuang, who serves as chair of the Council's Committee on Aging, noted that the Elderplan/HomeFirst Brooklyn community office was much needed.

"I hear the same thing everywhere I go. People do not know what they qualify for, and the paperwork is not in their language," Zhuang said. "That is why I am glad to welcome Elderplan/HomeFirst to Sunset Park. Putting a community office right here, where older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers already live and shop, is how you actually close that gap."

The Elderplan/HomeFirst Brooklyn Community Office is located on the second floor of 6405 Seventh Avenue. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and by appointment on weekends. Meetings can be scheduled through elderplan.org or by calling (866) 360-1934.