Fallon Health, Berkshire Health Systems and Community Health Programs form Accountable Care Organization to improve health outcomes for MassHealth members
Worcester, Mass., September 12, 2017 ― Berkshire Health Systems, through its Physician Hospital Organization called the Partnership for Health in the Berkshires, and Community Health Programs, in partnership with Fallon Health, will offer a new managed care option— Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative (BFHC)—for MassHealth members. The creation of BFHC is part of the state’s reform of MassHealth to include Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) in which physicians, hospitals, insurers and other health care providers work together to provide integrated care with the goals of improving health outcomes and containing costs.
Effective March 1 2018, MassHealth members identified by the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) as having a Berkshire Health Systems or a Community Health Programs primary care provider (PCP) will be enrolled in BFHC. MassHealth is a state-administered Medicaid program—funded by the state and federal governments—that provides health care to eligible people who need health coverage.
“With our experience providing integrated care through other government programs, Fallon Health is perfectly positioned to provide care under the ACO model,” said Richard Burke, President & CEO of Fallon Health, referring to Fallon Health’s Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) – Summit ElderCare – and Senior Care Options/Special Needs Plan –NaviCare. “We believe this approach will help reduce fragmented care, improve health outcomes and contain costs.”
“We’re pleased to expand our presence in this region and partner with Berkshire Health Systems and Community Health Programs to provide high-quality, highly coordinated care,” he added.
A key component of ACOs like BFHC is the utilization of community-based health and social service organizations to improve behavioral health care, put in place long-term supports and address health related social needs—all of which contribute to better health outcomes.
“Berkshire Health Systems and our community partners have worked to improve access and to better integrate the care we provide to our community,” said David Phelps, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. “We look forward to working with Fallon Health and our community-based partners to better meet the healthcare needs of those who depend on us.”
Lia Spiliotes, CEO of Community Health Programs, said, “As Community Health Programs expand its health care network throughout Berkshire County, we are reaching more and more MassHealth residents. We look forward to this new model of stronger care coordination with Berkshire Health Systems and Fallon.”
To enroll in BFHC, individuals must live in the BFHC service area, which includes all of Berkshire County. More information about BFHC will be available in the fall at fallonhealth.org/Berkshires.
Carrie Wattu
Fallon Health
Corporate Communications Manager
508-368-9345
carrie.wattu@fallonhealth.org
Michael Leary
Berkshire Health Systems
Director of Media Relations
413-447-2788
mleary@bhs1.org
Ellen Lahr
Community Health Programs
PR & Communications
413-329-3256
ellen@ellenlahr.com
About Fallon Health
Founded in 1977, Fallon Health is a leading health care services organization that supports the diverse and changing needs of those we serve. In addition to offering innovative health insurance solutions and a variety of Medicaid and Medicare products, we excel in creating unique health care programs and services that provide coordinated, integrated care for seniors and individuals with complex health needs. Fallon has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans, and is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products. For more information, visit fallonhealth.org.
About Berkshire Health Systems
Berkshire Health Systems is the primary provider of comprehensive healthcare services to residents of and visitors to Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and the surrounding region. BHS affiliates include Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital, the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association and BMC and Fairview Physician practices. BHS is a nationally recognized healthcare provider, ranking among the nation’s top hospitals for clinical care and patient safety, and is also the largest employer in Berkshire County. For more information, visit berkshirehealthsystems.org.
About Community Health Programs
Community Health Programs based in Great Barrington, Mass., is a non-profit federally qualified health center (FQHC) network serving patients of all ages throughout Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts. CHP’s medical and dental practices serve all patients regardless of their means of payment, with high-quality health care, nutrition and family support services.