Members from across the state praise help they received at their nearby Welcome Centers

Our ArkansasBlue Welcome Center employees throughout the state are working to improve the lives of our members every day. But don’t take our word for it. Several members were so happy with their Welcome Center experience that they shared their appreciation online in Google reviews.

Retail Sales Representative Karina Gonzales-Clark helped Jerrese F. with her dental and vision coverage when she visited the Rogers Welcome Center.

Gonzales-Clark helped her get new policies, finding a medical policy that lowered the member’s deductible and monthly premiums. Jerrese praised the individual service that helped her save money.

“The best part is how much I’ll be paying for my prescription drugs,” she said. “I’m pleased she was on the ball and ready to help me save money and get the services I need.”

Kate M. stopped into the Rogers Welcome Center with her college-aged daughter, hoping to find a plan with the lowest price and best benefits. She praised Customer Support Specialist Billie Watson at the front desk for her kindness and efficiency and thanked Gonzales-Clark for finding their new insurance plan. When she returned to the store with follow-up questions about her new plan, Retail Sales Representative Teheava Jackson assisted her and helped her download the Blueprint Portal app on her smartphone.

Clancy K. said her visit to the Fayetteville Welcome Center was the “best experience ever! I would give 10 stars if I could. Every time I’m there, the staff always go above and beyond.”

Aneisha L. would agree. When she stopped by the Fort Smith Welcome Center during an open enrollment review, Brandon Skelton, a sales trainer, helped her save almost $900 a month.

“I received a lot of explanation on what was driving some of the changes and how important a yearly review is,” Aneisha said. “Brandon did an outstanding job.”

Tami C. praised the staff at the Jonesboro Welcome Center: “Everyone is always so friendly and helpful. Big shout-out to Jenna Lang, customer advocate, who is always such a big help.”

Midtown Welcome Center team cares for members

 

The team at the Midtown ArkansasBlue Welcome Center in Little Rock is helping Take Good Care of our members.

“Taking good care for my team means ensuring no customer leaves confused or uninformed,” said Brandon Medlock, manager for the Midtown Welcome Center. “It’s about being insurance educators rather than just transaction processors. We understand that insurance decisions are significant life choices, so we make sure to invest the time needed to help people make educated decisions with confidence.

“Our philosophy that we constantly preach here at Midtown is to treat every person who walks through our doors as if they’re our own family member. We ask ourselves, ‘How would I want someone to care for my parent, spouse, grandmother, grandfather or my child if they needed help understanding their healthcare options?’”

One visitor to the University Avenue store praised Samuel Taylor, customer advocate, for taking the time to explain how supplemental plans work. “Sam took his time to ensure my wife and I understood our options and what we were getting into. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to make an educated decision,” said Johnny E.

Another member sent Samuel a handwritten note thanking him for clearly explaining important information about their health insurance: “I am a long-time customer of Blue Cross Blue Shield. I was very fortunate to have had a consultation visit with Samuel Taylor today. He was very patient, which I need since I am elderly. He spoke clearly and provided me with the necessary information. I was so pleased,” Jerry S. wrote.

Darius M. stopped by the store with questions about his group policy and spoke with Robert Brown, customer advocate. Darius raved about how Robert was invaluable and a great reflection of the Welcome Center. He was really appreciative of the extra assistance Robert provided.

Do you have any questions about health insurance? Stop by one of our seven ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers throughout the state to speak with a local expert.

Mother and daughter work together, helping members in Pine Bluff

 

Bambi Wilson and her daughter, Darian, make taking good care of our members a family affair.

Bambi, a support specialist, has worked at the ArkansasBlue Welcome Center in Pine Bluff for more than 10 years, and now Darian is taking on the role of customer advocate that her mom formerly held.

Bambi said she cherished the relationships she formed with community members who came into the office regularly.

“I sat down with them and helped them pick their plans. I really enjoyed those relationships. I’m so glad we were able to help them. It’s a really good feeling.”

Darian worked at Conway Regional Medical Center for several years, starting as a patient access rep and moving into a supervisor position, learning about insurance and benefits.

Encouraged by her mom’s experience working at Arkansas Blue Cross, Darian had applied for several job openings at the company before joining the team in March.

“Mom would keep an eye on the website and tell me when something was available to apply, and I just kept going for it because I wanted to work here. I knew it was a good company. …My first day of work, I was in Little Rock training, and just from the get-go, I felt more valued than I ever have at any other job I’ve had.”

Bambi said she knew the customer advocate role would be a great fit for her daughter.

“I knew if there was ever an advocate position open, that is most definitely what she’s going to do. She’s going to have camaraderie with the people, and, you know, everything she was looking for was in that position. I’ve seen her explain deductibles and coinsurance and piece it all together for members that don’t understand it. And in today’s time, that doesn’t always happen.”

Tim Krissell, manager of regional retail sales and operations, said Bambi and Darian are a shining example of the company’s family-focused approach.

“The Pine Bluff Welcome Center is proof that Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is truly a family-oriented company. The knowledge that Bambi will be able to hand down to Darian is priceless.”

And as Darian prepares for her licensing exam, she says Bambi is her secret weapon.

“Before I started here, I would ask her insurance questions all the time. Just wanting to know for my sake how the insurance field works.”

Bambi couldn’t be prouder to see her daughter shine in her same field.

“I’m glad she’s learning and she’s asking questions and she’s utilizing her resources. It’s incredible to see her walk a path I once did but with her own strength, spirit, and vision. I know she’ll make it her own and go even further than I dreamed.”