Tufts Health Plan combines with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

WELLESLEY, Mass. – Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care have formally combined, effective Jan. 1, the health services companies announced Monday.

Tom Croswell will serve as CEO of the combined nonprofit entity. Croswell previously served as CEO and president of Tufts Health Plan. Michael Carson will serve as president. He formerly served as CEO and president of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

“This combination brings together the expertise of two great companies with rich legacies and strongly preserves nonprofit health insurance coverage in our region,” said Croswell. “We will build upon our unwavering commitment to serve the needs of our diverse communities and our members, regardless of age, health, race, identity or income.”  

The nonprofit said $100 million in savings is anticipated through administrative synergies via the combination.

- Advertisement -

Tufts Health Plan covered 63,974 individuals in Rhode Island in 2019, according to the PBN Book of Lists.

The combined entity covers 2.4 million members, the organization said.

The two health insurers had announced their intent to merge in August 2019.

Both heritage brands and products will remain in the market for a period of time, and the benefits, programs and services its members rely on will not change in 2021 as a result of the combination, the organization said.

The nonprofit also expects to move its headquarters to Canton, Mass., in the fourth quarter of 2021 and expects to announce a new name in the second quarter.

“Built on the strong foundation and history of both organizations, Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts Health Plan bring together two of New England’s leading and innovative nonprofit health services organizations with decades of dedication to serving their members and communities,” said Carson. “We are excited and eager to start this journey as one organization with a vision of transforming how health care is accessed, aligning a fragmented system and guiding our members and communities to better health and a better health care experience.”