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BHS Forms Accountable Care Organization to Improve Health Outcomes for MassHealth Members
01:29PM / Wednesday, September 13, 2017
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. —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 — for MassHealth members.

The creation of BFHC is part of the state's reform of MassHealth to include Accountable Care Organizations, 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 as having a Berkshire Health Systems or a Community Health Programs primary care provider 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.

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, agreed.

"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," she said.

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 online.

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