New England | Spring | 2008 | Health Plan Analysis
Massachusetts is at a crossroads with its Commonwealth Care and Choice programs with enrollment exceeding expectations but costs coming in over earlier estimates. The Massachusetts Legislature is considering a number of measures to better control medical costs in the state. In addition 2009 should be a boon year for pharmacy benefits as the state will require anyone in the state with a creditable health insurance plan to also have a prescription drug benefit. While enrollment was growing in the Bay State, the new HealthPact product for small businesses had attracted fewer than 1,000 members as of May 1, 2008. Fallon Community Health Plan created a division for senior care while Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts developed a new payment option for providers. Finally, the Maine Health Management Coalition is set to transition to the national Bridges to Excellence platform.
