← Well Winter 2021

A Message From the CEO

To your health

As we announced to our members in early January, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care are now one organization. We are excited about this development, and I’d like to take the opportunity to again highlight what this means for you.

First, you won’t notice any changes right now, and there’s nothing you need to do differently at this time. Your policy remains in place, and the great programs and services you currently rely on are not going anywhere. You can also continue using your existing member ID card.

Second, moving forward, we will communicate with you directly about any changes and we’ll be here to answer all your questions. In the meantime, please call the member services number on the back of your ID card if you need assistance.

We are optimistic about the future and we believe our new organization will bring more value to you and the communities we serve.

A time of renewed hope

This winter edition of Well Member Update comes at a time of renewed hope for a return to some sense of normalcy in all of our lives. The first COVID-19 vaccines have arrived and vaccination plans are underway at the state level for equitable delivery in a phased approach.

The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is a top priority and getting vaccinated will help protect you, your family, and others in the community. There will be no cost share for members who receive the vaccine. You’ll find other important information about the vaccine in this edition.

It’s also as important as ever to stay vigilant with simple practices like wearing masks, social distancing, washing your hands often, and the other recommended measures that will slow the spread. Upon taking office, President Joe Biden challenged the American people to wear masks for 100 days to help control the pandemic. Tufts Health Plan strongly encourages everyone to “mask up.”

Advancing pandemic recovery and racial justice

The pandemic continues to create urgent needs in the diverse communities we serve, especially those disproportionately affected by the virus. Our Foundation is proud to support organizations addressing these critical needs. Along with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and our recently combined organization, our Foundations have committed an initial investment of $1 million to support education, awareness and outreach related to the vaccine, especially in Black and Brown communities, where the virus has had a tragic impact. This investment is in addition to the more than $10 million already committed by both organizations, as well as the Tufts Health Plan Foundation and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, to advance pandemic recovery and racial justice.

Together all of us can fight the spread of COVID-19, and the first phase of vaccine distribution is indeed a reason to celebrate. The year ahead holds great promise, and Tufts Health Plan will continue to be here for you and your family.

Please be well,
Thomas A. Croswell
CEO

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