Health Plus - Seasons Greetings of Joy

For Immediate Release

Seasons Greetings of Joy
Health Plus Holds Annual Holiday Events for Local Families

Media Inquiries:Kathryn Soman (718) 491-7493
Customer Inquiries: Marketing Department (888) 809-8009

New York - December 19, 2008 — With less than a week to go, many New Yorkers are feeling the holiday panic, as they fight crowds and a declining economy in the hopes of giving their loved ones a magical Christmas. Unfortunately, for some families this is harder than for others, and with recession on the rise, their numbers are rising. Managed care organization Health Plus understands this struggle, as it affects our members, our neighbors, and the communities that we serve. So, once again, Health Plus is holding its annual series of holiday events.

Working with local politicians, community groups, the NYPD -- and even a few celebrities, such as Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees -- at locations all throughout New York City and Nassau County, children, along with their parents, lined up for their chance to take a photo with Santa and to receive a gift, courtesy of Health Plus. Delicious holiday treats were also served to all those who attended.

“This is such a festive time of year,” said Tom Early, Executive Director of Health Plus, “and adding to that merriment is our favorite way of celebrating. If we can extend a joyous moment to some children that might otherwise be left out, then I think that we’ve really done our part to spread holiday cheer.”

Health Plus staff joined by members of the NYPD pose with some festive youths during the annual Winter Wonderland Celebration at the Cromwell Center in Staten Island .

Health Plus staff : Kenny Pena, Hommy Pena, Manuel Antonio Quezada, and Kathryn Soman pose with Mariano Rivera, world-famous relief pitcher from the New York Yankees, and some excited children who got a chance to meet their baseball hero.

# # #

Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.