ORLANDO, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, announced it is contributing $70,000 to help provide meals to seniors in Central Florida during the COVID-19 health crisis. The gift is part of a $2 million initial investment Florida Blue is making to address urgent health and safety needs across the state as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.

The gift will support the work of Seniors First, Inc. in Orange County, the Osceola Council on Aging and the Council on Aging of Volusia County, which each provide Meals on Wheels and other support programs for seniors in their communities.

“The health and well-being of our seniors is a top priority. It’s imperative for them to have access to food and other essentials from the safety of their homes to reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19,” said Tony Jenkins, Florida Blue’s Central Florida market president. “Florida Blue is committed to working with our community partners across Central Florida to ensure they can continue their critical work of caring for and supporting our neighbors in need.”

Free Bilingual Emotional Support Helpline

In addition to its $2 million investment in critical health and safety needs, Florida Blue partnered with New Direction Behavioral Health to open a free, bilingual emotional support helpline providing 24-hour access to specially trained behavioral health counselors. Floridians can call 833-848-1762 for support in managing feelings of stress, anxiety, grief or fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselors cannot provide information on COVID-19 testing or treatment.

Assistance with Loss or Affording Health Insurance

Florida Blue is also aiding those who lost access to health insurance through their employer or are having trouble paying for their current Florida Blue policies with experts who can explain a variety of options available to help individuals and families remain covered.  

Local Florida Blue Center’s nurses, social workers and service and sales specialists are providing personalized support virtually and can fully explain available options. Individuals can be connected to their local Center by calling 877-352-5830. They can also review options with their local Florida Blue agent or by calling 855-714-8894.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 27 million people in 35 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.