Network Health Is Most Popular Commonwealth Care Plan in Massachusetts

MEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Network Health, a Massachusetts health plan that provides high-quality health care coverage to nearly 180,000 Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes, announced today that its Network Health Forward^® (Commonwealth Care) plan is the most popular Commonwealth Care plan in Massachusetts.

As of October 1, 2011, Network Health provides health care coverage to 33% of the state’s nearly 160,000 residents enrolled in a Commonwealth Care plan, according to data compiled by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority (Connector), an independent state agency that helps Massachusetts residents find health care coverage.

“We are thrilled that Massachusetts residents who need affordable health insurance are choosing Network Health,” said Christina Severin, Network Health president. “We believe our growing popularity reflects Network Health’s ability to deliver access to high-quality health care at the most affordable price.”

Commonwealth Care extends access to health care for Massachusetts residents 19 years or older who do not have access to subsidized health insurance, including employer-sponsored health insurance, and earn at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, which is up to approximately $32,676 a year for an individual or up to approximately $67,056 a year for a family of four. The Connector determines Commonwealth Care eligibility.

Network Health is a lowest-cost Commonwealth Care plan and gives its Commonwealth Care members great EXTRAS, including $75 back on fitness activities, Weight Watchers discounts, and free health support with a 24/7 NurseLine. Network Health also offers an English- and Spanish-language Web site where members can order ID cards, change their primary care provider, view authorization and referral statuses, use interactive tools, like “Find a Doctor, Hospital, or Pharmacy” and “Drug Interaction Checker,” and get up-to-date health information. Network Health customer care specialists speak nine languages, and Network Health offers translation services in more than 170 languages.

About Network Health

Since 1997, Network Health has provided Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes access to high-quality health care. Based in Medford, Mass., Network Health is a comprehensive health plan serving members through its Network Health Together^® (MassHealth) and Network Health Forward^® (Commonwealth Care) plans.

Network Health provides Network Health Together members all the benefits of MassHealth, plus EXTRAS. Network Health’s Commonwealth Care plan extends access to affordable health care for qualified Massachusetts residents 19 years old or older who earn at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, or up to $32,676 a year for an individual (up to $67,056 a year for a family of four). In addition to core health care benefits, Network Health offers Network Health Forward members EXTRAS designed to encourage wellness.

To improve the health and well-being of its members and their diverse communities, Network Health offers fully integrated, in-house care management, providing a team of medical, behavioral health, social care, and pharmacy professionals who coordinate member care, and partners with 20,000 primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and community organizations.

Network Health earned National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) “Excellent” Health Plan Accreditation, NCQA’s highest accreditation rating, for its Network Health Together plan. Network Health is also ranked seventh among all Medicaid health plans nationally, according to NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011 – 2012 — Medicaid. Additionally, Network Health is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and received a Case In Point Platinum Award for “Best Overall Case/Care Management Program” from Dorland Health. Network Health also has the Top Leadership Team among health plans nationally, according to HealthLeaders Media.

Individuals must be eligible for MassHealth to join Network Health Together, a MassHealth plan. To learn about MassHealth eligibility, Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Enrollment Center at 888-665-9993 (TTY: 888-665-9997), Monday through Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once enrolled, MassHealth members can learn about their MassHealth health plan options by calling MassHealth customer service at 800-841-2900 (TTY: 800-497-4648), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn about Commonwealth Care health plan options, Massachusetts residents can call Commonwealth Care customer service at 877-MA-ENROLL or 877-623-6765 (TTY: 877-623-7773), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or they can visit www.mahealthconnector.org.

Network HealthEryn Gallagher, 781-393-3055
Manager, Corporate Marketing and Media Relations
[email protected]

Source: Network Health