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UnitedHealthcare debuts more than 200 jobs at Davenport call center

DAVENPORT, Iowa — UnitedHealthcare is bringing some 236 jobs to its new operations center at 255 East 90th Street in Davenport. That’s as Iowa transitions...

DAVENPORT, Iowa — UnitedHealthcare is bringing some 236 jobs to its new operations center at 255 East 90th Street in Davenport.

That's as Iowa transitions to a privately-run Medicaid system.

It's one of three Medicaid providers in the Hawkeye state.

The company is finding its calling inside a former Caterpillar plant.

That's where employees are going to work as representatives, claims examiners and other roles.

"This is a great community," said Kim Foltz, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Iowa.  "We've got a great base of employees."

The center is now up-and-running after 10-weeks of employee training.

The full-time jobs offer "competitive" starting pay above the minimum wage.

Staffers, who were recruited from customer service or medical backgrounds, get a foot in the door for more lucrative opportunities.

Officials say the company did not get any special incentives to locate in Davenport.

"This was an opportunity for us to really ensure that we were going to hire quality employees that are going to be able to deliver the services to our members," Foltz continued.

The call center will handle Medicaid calls within Iowa.

It will help to serve nearly 200,000 clients.

Plus, Friday's ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizes the addition of more than 200 new jobs in Davenport.

"It is wonderful to welcome this new family of caregivers to our area," said IA Rep. Phyllis Thede, (D) Davenport.

It's a decision that can help to inspire other companies to locate in Davenport.

"They could have come anywhere, and they chose Davenport," said Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch.  "I think that's a strong message for us to know this is a good location, a great opportunity."

The 30,000 square-foot office space is a huge facility with room to grow.

The company, with more than 500,000 clients in Iowa, hopes to maintain a local feel.

"When our members have questions, they're going to be talking to Iowans here in our Davenport location," Foltz concluded.  "We have an excellent talent pool here."

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