MetroPlusHealth has strengthened its role in Staten Island with the launch of a second community office, a meaningful expansion at a time when many for-profit insurers are reducing their presence in the borough. The new office, located at 2656 Hylan Blvd in New Dorp Plaza, comes as health care costs continue to rise and key Affordable Care Act subsidies approach expiration, putting additional strain on families seeking affordable coverage.
A Permanent Home for Growing Community Needs
For years, MetroPlusHealth has relied on its mobile unit to serve residents in this part of Staten Island, offering a temporary solution to increasing local demand. That effort has now evolved into a full-service, permanent location designed to ensure residents have ongoing access to care, assistance, and information.
“We are excited to open a second Staten Island community office,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of MetroPlusHealth. “For the past two years, our mobile unit has been here in this neighborhood, meeting the urgent needs of the community and ensuring access to care. Today, that temporary solution has transformed into a permanent hub for health and wellbeing. This new location strengthens our commitment to deliver high-quality, affordable health care, and empowers residents to take charge of their health.”
The opening was marked on Tuesday, November 18 with a ribbon cutting attended by local leaders including Dr. Ginny Mantello of the Staten Island Borough President’s Office, Council Member Frank Morano, Ian Yanda from Assemblyman Michael Tannousis’ office, John Rinaudo from Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis’ office, and Etsio Flores of Make the Road.
A Track Record of Growth and Community Investment
MetroPlusHealth’s presence on Staten Island began in 2017 with its first community office. In the eight years since, the location has consistently achieved double digit growth, supported by a strong provider network that includes every acute care hospital in the borough. The health plan has also operated two mobile units and a dedicated Medicare mobile unit, bringing essential services directly into neighborhoods where they are needed most.
The organization has become a familiar partner in community initiatives as well, working with local elected officials to support food drives, coat drives, toy distributions, turkey giveaways, and Back to School supply efforts.
Expanded Services Seven Days a Week
The new office will be open seven days a week and is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource center. Residents will be able to meet with enrollment coordinators who can explain plan options, assist with sign ups, and help members understand benefits such as over the counter allowances and member rewards.
MetroPlusHealth also intends for the office to play an active role in addressing some of Staten Island’s most urgent health challenges. The borough ranks third nationwide for opioid abuse and faces long standing shortages in mental health services. It also has elevated rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By hosting weekly visits from partners such as the NYPD, FDNY, and the Pregnancy Care Center, the new office will connect residents directly to additional support systems and community services.
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