March 12, 2019 (Pittsburgh, Pa) – Highmark is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of its Highmark Direct Stores this month, which are retail spaces for visitors seeking in-person information and questions about insurance, as well as hubs for health and educational activities including yoga classes, book clubs, tech classes, health screenings, and more.
In March 2009, Highmark Inc. opened its first pair of Highmark Direct retail stores located in Pittsburgh, Pa. and Mechanicsburg, Pa. Today, there are 11 stores across Pennsylvania located in Western Pa., as well as stores in Northeastern and Central Pa., and the Lehigh Valley.
Highmark Direct Stores serve over 65,000 visitors each year across its locations, which include residents ranging from new college graduates looking for coverage to early retirees who need health insurance before Medicare eligibility. The stores also help thousands of Medicare and ACA members each year enroll into Highmark Health Insurance Plans.
“While Highmark offers an award-winning call center and robust online options to help members and the public navigate their insurance options, the Highmark Direct Stores provide a helping hand and friendly face to those who need or prefer in-person conversations and assistance,” said Michael King, director of retail stores, Highmark. “We celebrate ten years and many more of being a trusted advisor and helping people choose the right plan for all their health care needs.”
To empower individual and family health care decision-makers, Highmark Direct also hosts over 3,000 free health and wellness events each year across Direct Store locations, including Medicare Advantage seminars or “Doc Talks,” which are open to Highmark members as well as the public.
“The Highmark Direct Stores are a wonderful asset to the community,” said Stephanie Paul, senior Brentwood and South Pittsburgh resident. “Not only do I go there for questions about my bills or insurance, but it also gives me a place to stimulate my mind and body. Whether it is the book club, game night, or yoga class, it is a place for my neighbors and myself to look forward to enjoying.”
Highmark is hosting special events for the public at its first store locations on McKnight Road in Pittsburgh, and on Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg on Friday, March 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., celebrating the milestone anniversary with yoga classes, nutrition tips, food, and giveaways. Attendees can enter to win a yoga kit and $50 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card, and learn more about Highmark Direct Store offerings. A ten year plaque will also be presented to store staff.
All are welcome to attend. No registration is required for the event, but those who plan to participate in yoga are encouraged to register due to limited space.
North Hills Yoga Registration: https://www.highmarkdirect.com/event/2048
Mechanicsburg Yoga Registration: https://www.highmarkdirect.com/event/2049
For more information about Highmark Direct Stores, visit https://www.highmarkdirect.com/.
