Harvard Pilgrim deal to expand North Country coverage

Four NH hospitals to be designated low-cost providers as insurers

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has reached a deal with four hospitals in the North Country: you join our integrated health system as a low-cost provider and we’ll cover your workers.

The insurer will designate the hospitals that are part of North Country Healthcare – company Littleton Regional Healthcare, Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster and Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook – as low-cost providers, which will mean lower costs for Harvard Pilgrim members, both though their groups and as individuals.

The healthcare system will be integrated with the three community health care centers in the North Country – Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Indian Stream Health Center and Coos County Family Health Services. Plus Harvard and the hospitals will split a $60,000 grant to provide fresh, healthy food for area residents.

Harvard Pilgrim said it will use its population health company, Benevera Health, to try to better coordinate care and manage it for those with chronic conditions. The hospitals’ 1,400 employees will be insured under the deal starting on Jan. 1.

“This is going to make a huge difference for day-to-day coverage up there,” said Dr. William Brewster, vice president of New Hampshire Regional Market at Harvard Pilgrim.

This will dramatically increase the service coverage area for North Country residents covered by Harvard Pilgrim,” said Warren West, CEO of North Country Healthcare. “Members will now be able to access low-cost medical services more conveniently and closer to home.”