January 7, 2015

Harrington Moves to Lower Tier with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – January 7, 2015 – Effective January 1, 2015, the Harrington Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) has moved to a lower cost tier on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts insurance plans, resulting in lower co-pays for those who use Harrington services.

The change is a result of Harrington’s recognition for its high quality performance and system-wide cost reductions. Harrington was one of 60 urban hospitals nationally to be designated a top performing hospital by the Leapfrog Group, a national healthcare quality organization. The 2014 recognition marks the second consecutive year Harrington has received the award — one of only 19 urban hospitals to do so.

BCBS announced in November that it would move Harrington from a Basic Benefits Tier to a lower-cost Standard Benefits Tier effective in January.

With this update, members now have lower out-of-pocket costs when receiving services at any Harrington site or by any active physician on Harrington’s medical staff.

Doug Crapser, President of the newly formed Community HealthCare Partners, including Harrington and Heywood Hospital in Gardner, says, “We are really pleased to have Harrington reach a more beneficial agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield on the tier structure which recognizes performance for services quality We want our patients to continue to receive excellent medical care close to home.”