Empire blue cross blue shield corporate headquarters

Empire BlueCross BlueShield held a ribbon cutting on May 24 opening its Midtown headquarters.

Photo by Dean Moses

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Empire BlueCross BlueShield opened its new Midtown headquarters Tuesday with a donation to help aid the area’s most vulnerable.

One Penn Plaza, located adjacent to Pennsylvania Station and Madison Square Garden between 33rd Street and 34th Street, officially became the home of the insurance company on May 24. 

First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo welcomed Alan J. Murray, the President and CEO of New York Markets of Empire BlueCross BlueShield, along with his team to the Big Apple, thanking the company for committing itself to serving the well-being of New Yorkers.

“This new state-of-the-art facility here in the heart of Midtown represents Empire’s renewed commitment to our great city. That commitment cannot solely be measured by office space but rather the critical access to health care provided to everyday New Yorkers. This new location represents the economic renewal of the city of New York and underscores that companies will continue to flock to this city as we continue our recovery,” Grillo said.

With a slew of the company’s top officials excited about their new headquarters, Murray also said he is just as eager to help those who share the city benefit.

“We are New York’s health insurance company–a dedicated team of New Yorkers taking care of New Yorkers for the last 85 years. Our new office in the heart of Midtown represents our commitment to serve New Yorkers and to join the city in the important work to revitalize what we can all agree is the greatest city in the world,” Murray said.

Through this commitment, Empire BlueCross BlueShield pledged a $300,000 grant to Breaking Ground to help Midtown’s homeless crisis that has only been exacerbated since the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic. Breaking Ground is touted as New York City’s largest provider of street outreach and permanent supportive housing for individuals undergoing hardships such as homelessness. The company hopes this money will aid their new neighbors in need through harm reduction and housing services.

“We are committed to helping the most vulnerable New Yorkers overcome homelessness and lead lives of dignity and security in housing. We are so grateful to the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation for investing in enhancements to Breaking Ground’s services for people with substance use disorders. Together, we’re ensuring that New York City comes back healthier and more vibrant than ever,” Brenda Rosen said, President and CEO of Breaking Ground. 

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting that christened the headquarters opening.