(Wellesley, MA) October 13, 2020 – Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has committed and distributed close to $3 million to support independent primary care practices in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine. This support is consistent with Harvard Pilgrim’s mission to improve the quality and value of health care for the people and the communities it serves.

About 300 independent primary care practices are receiving nearly $10,000 to provide safe access to care for patients including the purchasing of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), reconfiguring facilities to comply with physical distancing guidelines, support telehealth infrastructure, as well as other important necessary measures. Breakdown of total support for independent primary care practices per state:

• Connecticut: $1.2 Million to support almost 120 independent primary care practices
• Maine: $635,000 to support more than 60 independent primary care practices
• Massachusetts: $750,000 to support more than 70 independent primary care practices
• New Hampshire: $390,000 to support close to 40 independent primary care practices

According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine visits to primary care providers were declining prior to the pandemic, decreasing by close to 25% from 2008 to 2016.  And a recent national survey of physician practices indicates at least 36% of primary practices are at risk of closure due to the financial implications of COVID-19.  

The independent primary care practices Harvard Pilgrim is supporting are small and physician-owned, many with limited access to capital or other external support to assist them during the pandemic. While shortages of PPE have eased since the start of pandemic, many of these practices are forced to explore expensive avenues or use multiple vendors to purchase PPE, as the supply chain typically favors large health care systems with significant buying power. Additionally, many practices, especially those in rural communities, lack the resources and infrastructure to fully integrate telehealth into their practices.

“Our financial support of these independent primary care practices is crucial, as many of our members, especially those with chronic medical conditions, utilize these practices as their only source of medical care,” said Michael Carson, president and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim. “Without these practices, many patients, especially those living in rural communities, could have limited access to health care.  Further, independent primary care practices are serving a critical role during the pandemic, testing patients for COVID-19, providing care for those living with the long-term effects of the virus, and in the future, administering the COVID-19 vaccine to patients when it is available.”

Harvard Pilgrim previously announced that it provided over $40 million in financial advances to support the provider community throughout the region. Additionally, Harvard Pilgrim committed $3 million to support community health centers focusing on those providing care to predominately black and brown communities, as well as centers that provide care for vulnerable populations, to support equity and equality in accessing health care, and address health disparities.

About Harvard Pilgrim Health Care 
Harvard Pilgrim and its family of companies provide health benefit plans, programs and services to more than 3 million customers in New England and beyond. A leading not-for-profit health services company, we guide our members – and the communities we serve – to better health. Founded by doctors over 50 years ago, we’re building on our legacy. In partnership with our expansive network of doctors and hospitals, we’re improving health outcomes and lowering costs through clinical quality and innovative care management.  Our commitment to the communities we serve is driven by the passion of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. Through its work, low- and moderate-income families are gaining greater access to fresh, affordable food — a cornerstone to better health and well-being.