Mercy Leader Heralds Partnership with BMC

SPRINGFIELD — The Baker-Polito Administration has announced that 17 health care organizations across the state, including Boston Medical Center (BMC) Health System in partnership with Mercy Medical Center, have executed agreements to participate in a major restructuring of the MassHealth program.  Effective March 1, 2018, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), networks of physicians, hospitals and other community based health care providers, will be financially accountable for cost, quality, and member experience for over 850,000 MassHealth members.

Mercy Medical Center has formed an ACO partnership with BMC Health System, including its affiliate, BMC HealthNet Plan.  The Mercy ACO will provide coverage, care and services to MassHealth enrollees in Western Massachusetts.

Member enrollment in ACOs will be based upon their relationship with their current primary care provider to ensure continuity of care. All ACO models support MassHealth’s commitment to invest in community-based organizations, referred to as certified community partners for behavioral health and long term services and supports. These organizations will be announced by the end of August, once the procurement process has been completed.

Mercy Medical Center’s President, Beth O’Brien, said “the partnership with BMC Health System is an important step forward in our commitment to our MassHealth patients. Together, we will combine our significant strengths to advance patient-centered care.”

BMC Health System President Kate Walsh added that the organization’s longstanding patient and community-centered approach, understanding of MassHealth cost drivers, and its commitment to innovative, new approaches to improve care has made BMC Health System an attractive partner for Mercy Medical Center. “We’re pleased to be part of this important restructuring of the MassHealth program to improve care for MassHealth patients and reduce costs for the Commonwealth,” Walsh said. “As we combine our experience and talents, it will benefit patient care for all our communities.”

BMC HealthNet Plan President Susan Coakley noted the longstanding relationship between Mercy Medical Center and the Plan to support MassHealth members and patients under the managed care organization program. “This is an important new phase in our strong partnership with Mercy Medical Center to serve MassHealth members in a new and innovative way through an ACO.”