Daily News

Fallon Health Expands Services in Western Mass.

WORCESTER — Fallon Health, a not-for-profit healthcare-services organization, announced it is strengthening its commitment to the people it serves in Western Mass.

Members of its NaviCare program — a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan and Senior Care Options program — now have access to Baycare Health Partners, a physician-hospital organization serving five Baystate Health hospitals and more than 200 medical practices in the Pioneer Valley.

Fallon members enrolled in the plan’s NaviCare program are able to access Baycare’s participating facilities and physicians including Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Noble Hospital, and Baystate Wing Hospital.

“Fallon has a high regard for Baycare Health Partners’ commitment to improving the quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare in the community,” said Patrick Hughes, president and CEO of Fallon Health. “We’re pleased to partner with them to increase accessibility to high-quality healthcare for one of the most vulnerable populations we serve — frail elders with complex care needs.”

NaviCare is a unique product for adults age 65 and over. It combines in one package all Medicare and Medicaid benefits, plus additional benefits and services designed to promote independence and quality of life. NaviCare is available to those ages 65 and over who are enrolled in MassHealth Standard. For those who qualify, NaviCare is available at a $0 premium with $0 co-payments. All healthcare is coordinated by a team of doctors, specialists, nurses, and social workers who develop a plan of care specific to each member.

“For more than 25 years, Fallon has remained committed to helping older adults with complex care needs to live as independently as possible in the communities in which they are comfortable,” said Richard Burke, president of Senior Care Services and Government Programs. “Each time we expand our NaviCare network, we’re able to provide more options that can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of older adults and their families.”

In addition to NaviCare, Fallon offers other products and programs for Medicare beneficiaries in Western Mass. and throughout the state, including a variety of plan choices for its Medicare Advantage product, called Fallon Senior Plan. Fallon also offers a Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, called Summit ElderCare.