×

Health Plan CEO says firm has outgrown its new headquarters

Contractors working on the Health Plan’s new headquarters in downtown Wheeling placed the final beam of the structure’s steel frame Monday. — Scott McCloskey

WHEELING — The Health Plan is outgrowing its new headquarters already — even before construction of the downtown Wheeling building is finished.

Workers on Monday placed the final steel beam atop the frame of the four-story structure, located in the 1100 block of Main and Market streets. Construction is set to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

James Pennington, the firm’s president and CEO, said 80 employees still will work in the adjacent former Horne’s building after 375 other employees are moved from St. Clairsville to the new headquarters in late November or mid-December.

“We’ll continue to use both spaces,” he said.

With excellent growth occurring in its Wheeling market, the Health Plan has an option to lease more space in the Horne’s building from the Regional Economic Development Partnership and an option to expand its new complex, according to Pennington.

“We have the flexibility of adding onto the new building,” he said. “We have good green space — what we call the lawn — that we want to keep as long as we can. But if we have to, we will (build there).”

In addition, Pennington said initial steps have been taken to develop a work-from-home program. That plan, expected to be ready next year, would create more flexibility for the firm, he said.

Construction of the new facility is ahead of schedule, with site preparation completed, concrete poured and steel framing in place. Pennington said the top steel beam was erected 20-30 days earlier than expected because of favorable weather conditions.

Although downtown parking has been a subject of public discussion in recent weeks, Pennington said the Health Plan is not concerned that will be an issue when the new building opens. He praised Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron, Mayor Glenn Elliott and former Mayor Andy McKenzie for their support of the construction project.

“All have been very cooperative in moving it along,” Pennington said.

Pennington said state officials have promised significant improvements, including street paving this spring or summer and new sidewalks and curbs in the next six to eight months.

The insurer was founded in Wheeling 37 years ago, but later moved to St. Clairsville. In December 2015, the company announced it was moving back to Wheeling.

“To come home to West Virginia is very important to the company. It’s good for the city,” Pennington said.

Regarding the Health Plan’s success, Pennington said, “Growth has been excellent here in Wheeling.” The firm’s Charleston office has added 80 new jobs, while its Morgantown office has 10 employees and room for 25-30 workers.

Meanwhile, Pennington remains upbeat despite uncertainty over the fate of the Affordable Care Act and its potential impact on the insurance industry.

“We think there will be some changes around Medicaid,” he said. “We think we are well-positioned to adapt and move forward. … Health care insurance changes every four years. You have to reinvent and reinvigorate your business. There are always new rules and regulations.

“We feel pretty positive about the future, particularly about our Medicare and Medicaid programs in West Virginia,” Pennington continued.

The Health Plan had record years of production in 2015 and 2016, according to Pennington.

“Our growth has been statewide,” he said.

Pennington said the firm’s growth in the Northern Panhandle and the entire Ohio Valley has been positive. Its operations also have been strong in the Parkersburg area, the Morgantown-Buckhannon corridor, the Kanawha Valley and in Huntington.

The Health Plan’s next push will be into the Eastern Panhandle, where a broker network is starting, Pennington said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today