Events
Professional Relations Representatives
Bonita Haines
NJ: Atlantic, Burlington, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem, Hudson, Hunterdon, Warren
PA: Bucks, Delaware, Monroe, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike
NY: Kings, Rockland
Phone: 1-973-953-9047
Email: bonita_haines@horizonblue.com
Virginia Rego
NJ: Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union
NY: Bronx, New York, Orange, Richmond, Westchester
Phone: 1-973-941-2384
Horizon NJ Health Provider Field Representatives
Grace Marchese
Counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem
Phone: 262-946-4566
Email: grace.marchese@skygenusa.com
Tiffany Underwood
Counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren
Phone: 973-699-7736
Dr. Steve Hong
Quotation: "Participating with Horizon fits with my practice’s mission and vision because I can serve patients who may not have access to care otherwise. I have been treating all my patients as if I’m taking care of my own family and friends. I am also thankful that I can provide the best service to my community and surrounding areas. Dentistry is challenging, but one of the main reasons I can do it every day is because of all my supporting team — front desk, assistants, administration and clinical staff. Having practiced for 24 years, I know there is still so much to learn and room to grow, but at the same time, I am confident that all my patients are in very good hands because of our genuinely caring team."
Bio: Dr. Steve Hong graduated from Cornell University obtaining a B.A. in Biochemistry. He attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, earning his DMD in 2001. While attending dental school, Dr. Hong received the Navy Health Service Collegiate Program Scholarship, the catalyst to his enlisting in the United States Navy Dental Corp from 2001-2004 and ultimately earning the rank of Navy Lieutenant dental officer in Camp Lejeune, N.C. During his service, he was deployed to Kuwait for five months and given the unique opportunity to serve as a lead dental officer in the Alpha Surgical Company in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Since his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dr. Hong has been dedicated to delivering excellence in dentistry in a private practice setting, serving patients in South Jersey and Philadelphia. With a gentle hand and an eye for perfection, Dr. Hong’s expertise spans all aspects of Comprehensive Dentistry, from routine fillings to cosmetic dentistry, crown and bridge, root canal therapies, oral surgery and implant dentistry. He is committed to listening with compassion and providing the highest quality dental care to everyone who walks through the door.
Dr. Hong and his wife live in N.J. with their two children. Through his church, he has volunteered in dental mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, biking, spending time with his family, and is an avid pickleball player.
Do you or someone you know participate in both commercial and HNJH networks? If so, we are accepting nominations for featured providers. Please see the Featured Provider Nomination Form below.
A brand new policy that offers affordable Medicare Advantage plans with access to the Horizon Hospital Network and the Horizon Managed Care Network. Includes dental health benefits.
Horizon NJ Health Provider Newsletter
Meet Our Dental Directors
Commercial
Dr. Joan Monaco
Horizon NJ Health
Dr. Sam Wakim
Dr. Monaco's Bio
Joan Monaco, DMD, a student of Farleigh Dickenson University Dental School from 1987 – 1990, transferred to and graduated from UMDNJ – NJDS in 1991. Dr. Monaco was in private practice full-time and worked part time with the largest major insurance carrier before becoming full-time in-house in 2007. She left both private practice and the insurance industry to establish her own consulting firm until 2015 when she joined the NJDA as Director of Dental Benefits. Dr. Monaco currently oversees all dental operations for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey as the Director of Dental Operations under the Commercial Business Unit’s EXPAND line of business.
Dr. Wakim's Bio
Dr. Sam Wakim is the Dental Director for the Government Programs Division of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. He is a graduate of University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and earned a master’s degree in Dental Public Health from UMDNJ – School of Public Health. He is a staunch advocate for access to preventive services including sealants and fluoride to prevent dental decay and HPV vaccines to prevent oropharyngeal cancer in underserved communities. Prior to joining Horizon, Dr. Wakim served as Zufall Health Center’s Chief Dental Officer for 13 years. In addition to overseeing the dental department, Dr. Wakim established numerous initiatives addressing comprehensive health care needs. These included school-based education and screening programs, a dental residency program, on-the-job training initiatives, continuing education classes and integrated programs with the medical department. Before joining Zufall, he ran the school-based dental program at the Paterson Community Health Center and was the Dental Director for UMDNJ’s University Dental Center in Newton. He was named a Top Dentist by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was recognized by the New Jersey Dental Association with the “Give Kids A Smile Pioneer Award,” and was designated a “Real Doc Hollywood” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.
Products are provided by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Horizon Insurance Company. Each company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Horizon® name and symbols are registered marks of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Communications may be issued by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey in its capacity as administrator of programs and provider relations for all its companies.
