UnitedHealthcare, health benefit program provider, plans to add 150 additional employees at its Tonawanda, New York operations center in Colvin Woods Park, a Buffalo suburb.

Tonawanda employees answer plan participants' calls, process claims and provide clinical case management. Last year the firm hired 125 employees, which will bring the company's total workforce to more than 700 this year. The firm plans to hire customer service, claims processing and case management personnel.

"UnitedHealthcare is excited about the Tonawanda and Buffalo region as an employer and business partner, and we welcome the opportunity to be a key driver in the region's growth," said Bill Golden UnitedHealthcare CEO . "Our employees in Western New York consistently deliver high-quality, customer-centric support to individuals and businesses throughout New York State and across the country, making this a key region for business expansion as the company continues to grow."

"New York State's economy is coming back stronger than ever, with companies like UnitedHealthcare investing in creating new jobs at New York facilities like this one in Tonawanda," Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy said. "As a result of Governor Cuomo's leadership, New Yorkers are going back to work in communities all across the state, and by investing here in Western New York, UnitedHealthcare is continuing to play an important role in the state's economic recovery and help drive the region's growth."

As an incentive to attract firms to the Empire State, New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer said, "The State Legislature, working with Governor Cuomo, has made strides in improving New York State's business climate. Especially during the last two budget cycles, the decision to cut spending and lower taxes has signaled to companies such as UnitedHealthcare that this is a climate in which they can expand their business and create jobs.