Point32Health and Cortica team up to transform the quality of care for children with autism and other developmental differences

Canton, Mass. — Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, has joined forces with Cortica, a physician-led autism services provider, to expand access to advanced neurological therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental differences in Massachusetts. Tufts Health Plan members with insurance coverage through their employer or via the Massachusetts Health Connector will be able to access Cortica’s pioneering integrated care model in September, followed by a rollout to the company’s MassHealth and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members later in the fall.

“We are very excited about this new collaboration with Cortica, as one of our goals is to provide best in class behavioral health benefits through a ‘whole person’ integrated care approach for all of our members,” said Jill Borrelli, vice president of behavioral health at Point32Health. “We hear stories of our members waiting months and months to be evaluated for autism spectrum disorder, delaying much needed therapy and treatment that goes beyond just ABA therapy. Cortica’s model has been scientifically proven to deliver superior developmental outcomes for children and families. Not only will this improve access to necessary treatment for our commercial and Medicaid members, it will help our members better navigate the healthcare system while receiving the quality of care they deserve.”

Cortica applies a compassionate multidisciplinary autism care plan that replaces the fragmented, transactional ASD services landscape by unifying care journeys that span four areas (medical, ABA, developmental therapy, and family support), and integrating rich data sets to systematically track clinical progress across disciplines.

“Our new relationship with Point32Health represents a breakthrough in behavioral health by shifting to a whole-child, value-based approach, which advances health equity and access to care and rewards providers for their quality over quantity,” said Neil Hattangadi, MD, co-founder and CEO of Cortica. “We are thrilled to expand into Massachusetts through our collaboration with Point32Health. I commend their leadership for seeing the future of autism care and doing what’s right for their members.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates one in 44 children is diagnosed with autism in the U.S.1 Wait times for a diagnosis can take longer than six months in academic medical centers. With a national network of pediatric neurologists and other physicians, and a digital front door model, Cortica can provide an autism diagnosis within 30 days and accelerate the time from diagnosis to implementation of comprehensive interventions.

The new approach to care between Point32Health and Cortica reflects the major shifts happening in the treatment landscape for autism, and is consistent with both organizations’ focus on innovative services for the well-being of the members and families whom they serve.

Members interested in more information should call the customer service line on their health plan ID.