Celticare Health Plan of Massachusetts to cover legal immigrants from October

CeltiCare today announced that the Commonwealth has accepted its proposal to manage healthcare services for Aliens with Special Status (AWSS). This population has been enrolled in the Commonwealth Care insurance program (Commonwealth Care) run by the Massachusetts Health Connector. The State’s budget constraints resulted in recent cutbacks in healthcare coverage for this population. Effective October 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 CeltiCare will provide these Massachusetts legal immigrants with coverage for health services.

"We must maintain our commitment to the promise of health care reform in Massachusetts," said Governor Deval Patrick. "This innovative solution ensures hard-working individuals and families have access to the care they need."

Richard Lynch, President and CEO of CeltiCare said “As we all know, the Commonwealth, like every state, is facing serious fiscal challenges. Working together with key members of our provider network including Caritas Christi Health Care and Partners Health Care we were able to provide coverage for this population. We are very pleased to be working with the Patrick Administration and the Connector Authority on this important program.”

CeltiCare began serving Commonwealth Care members on July 1, 2009 and currently serves members in the Boston, Central, Northern, and Southern regions of Massachusetts. CeltiCare will also provide services to Commonwealth Choice members starting January 1, 2010.