Boston, MA (March 12, 2009) – Commonwealth Family Health Plan today announced it was awarded the contract to manage healthcare services for Commonwealth Care members in Massachusetts. The health plan is a partnership between Celtic Group Inc. (Celtic), a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, and Caritas Christi Health Care (Caritas). Effective July 1, 2009, the health plan will serve the Central, Northern, Boston and Southern regions of Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Commonwealth Care program is a health insurance program for low-income, working adults (up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level) who are not eligible for Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance. There are currently approximately 165,000 Commonwealth Care members.

Commonwealth Family Health Plan is a new, innovative managed care solution that leverages local provider relationships, national managed care experience and Celtic’s expertise in the individual health insurance market. The health plan offers a greater pool of primary care physicians available to Commonwealth Care members, as well as a full spectrum of providers and managed care services to ensure comprehensive access to all benefits required under the Commonwealth Care program. 

Frederick J. Manning, Executive Vice President for Centene and Chief Executive Officer for Celtic, stated, “We are committed to provide a managed care solution for the underserved communities in Massachusetts. By promoting the medical home and preventive care, our new health plan will successfully deliver better health outcomes for the citizens of Massachusetts. Consistent with our philosophy that quality healthcare is best delivered locally, our health plan will hire local staff to meet the needs of the members and communities we will serve.”

Ralph de la Torre, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer for Caritas, stated, “This plan confirms Caritas Christi’s commitment to bring the highest quality healthcare to patients in their communities.  This commitment coupled with Celtic’s national experience and financial backing, effectively position this new health plan to deliver world-class healthcare to Commonwealth Care enrollees while maintaining the fiscal responsibility owed to the citizens of the commonwealth.”

About Commonwealth Family Health Plan

Commonwealth Family Health Plan, Inc. is a managed care organization that will provide health insurance to Massachusetts residents enrolled in the Commonwealth Care Program. A partnership between Celtic Group and Caritas Christi Health Care, Commonwealth Family Health Plan offers a new form of local managed care that is tailored to meet the needs of Massachusetts’ progressive healthcare system. Effective July 1, 2009, the plan will contract with the Commonwealth Care Health Insurance Connector Authority (Authority) to serve low-income, working adults who are not eligible for Medicaid.

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