WORCESTER, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), Community Health Programs (CHP), and other members of the Health Collaborative of the Berkshires PHO (PHO) announced a renewed partnership with Fallon Health to provide quality, lower-cost health care to members and communities under the state's Medicaid program, which is called MassHealth.

 

"The Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative has been essential in ensuring that MassHealth members across the Berkshires have access to primary care providers and services," said Darlene Rodowicz, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. "Our continued partnership with Fallon Health and CHP is an integral part of our mission to serve the Berkshire community with the highest standard of care."

 

The PHO and Fallon MassHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO) offering, known as the Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative (BFHC), will be available to eligible Medicaid members in the Berkshires. The partnership supports the state's continuation of the Medicaid ACO program.

 

Effective April 1, 2023, MassHealth members identified by the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) as having a Berkshire Health Systems, Community Health Programs, or other PHO 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 coverage to eligible individuals.

 

"Our participation in the MassHealth ACO program aligns with Fallon Health's mission and continues a 45-year commitment to caring for those who need us most, predominantly through government-sponsored health insurance programs," said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health, noting that Fallon Health was the first health plan in the state to receive a contract to cover Medicaid recipients—and the first health plan in the country to offer a Medicare Advantage plan. 

 

Today, nearly 9 out of every 10 of its members are enrolled in a public health plan.

 

"We are thrilled to collaborate with the outstanding providers at BHS and CHP in our shared efforts to find new, innovative ways to advance primary care that puts patients first and that promotes behavioral health and health equity," added Burke.

 

"We look forward to building on our partnerships with Berkshire Health Systems and Fallon Health to deliver health care and other services to CHP's patients throughout the Berkshires," said Richard H. Gregg, Interim CEO of Community Health Programs.

 

To enroll in BFHC, individuals must live in the service area, which includes all of Berkshire County.