Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has opened a new Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center in Greenville, aiming to help residents better understand their health insurance and access support for navigating the healthcare system. The center, which officially opened last week, is designed to provide in-person assistance with insurance claims, medical bills, and choosing appropriate plans. Staff will also offer wellness and prevention education classes.
Becky Bateman, who leads the new center, emphasized the importance of having knowledgeable staff available to assist community members. “I think our Greenville neighbors will feel better knowing they have a knowledgeable staff of people in their corner here to guide them,” Bateman said. “We believe it can make all the difference when navigating healthcare.” She added, “It feels great being back in eastern North Carolina to continue to serve the community and lead the center to excellence.”
Bateman is a Pitt County native with extensive experience in customer service and has held full health insurance licensure since 2012. She returned to Greenville specifically for this role and now oversees a team of six specialists.
“Our Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center is here to support our community beyond health insurance,” Bateman said. “We are offering residents a space to connect, learn and live healthier. It’s another way Blue Cross NC is making health care better for all.”
The grand opening event on August 15 brought together local non-profit organizations, community leaders, and residents from Greenville. This location marks the fourth Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center in North Carolina; other centers are located in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Boone.
Fran Gary, senior vice-president of Blue Cross NC Health Plans, explained that the center was created specifically for Greenville: “We designed and built this space to be an extension of the incredible community work already happening in Greenville,” Gary said. “Our goal is to support community building, foster strong partnerships, and remain a steadfast ally to Greenville and its surrounding areas.”
Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly expressed his support for the initiative: “As Greenville continues to grow, it is important that our residents have the access and support they need to be physically and mentally healthy,” Connelly said. “We are excited about the Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center and what it will do to help make this happen.”
The center will host regular events including Bingo starting August 26—scheduled monthly on second and fourth Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—and yoga classes beginning September 3 at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
