Finding calm in the chaos: How Helen makes a difference when it matters most

Maria was scared.

A paperwork mistake had left her without insurance coverage—and without the medications she depended on. She didn’t know what went wrong or how to fix it. All she knew was that she felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and alone.

Then Helen Pleszewicz called.

From that first conversation, Helen brought something Maria, a Medicaid member, hadn’t felt in days: calm. She listened patiently, reassured her, and took ownership of the situation. Behind the scenes, Helen, a Medicare consultant, worked quickly, exploring every option until she found a solution—enrolling

Maria in a program within a day.

When Maria received her insurance cards, she called Helen in tears, calling her an “angel.”

Her most rewarding moments

For Helen, moments like that are why she does this work.

“I truly love what I do and knowing that my work helps people—especially our older adults—gives it real meaning,” Helen says. “One of the most rewarding moments for me is when people no longer feel scared or stressed, but heard, confident, and supported.”

That transformation—from fear to confidence—is at the heart of everything Helen does.

We’re part of the community

Helen lives and works in Rochester, so she understands the unique needs of our communities. Helen’s impact extends beyond one-on-one conversations—she’s a trusted presence at Rochester-area events including the YMCA’s Active Older Adults Program, where she helps individuals feel informed, supported, and confident by answering questions, easing concerns, and building lasting relationships.

It’s this combination of local expertise, compassion, and commitment that makes Helen extraordinary. She doesn’t simply explain coverage options—she advocates, reassures, and empowers, bringing our mission as a nonprofit health plan to life in deeply personal moments, when people need it most.

“They’re not just Excellus members to me—they’re my members,” Helen says. “I think of them like family, and I always want what’s best for them.”

And for people like Maria, that kind of care makes all the difference.

Contact:
Melissa Klinko melissa.klinko@excellus.com