Federal Open Enrollment Underway for New Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) Network Health Direct now available for individuals, families, and small businesses who purchase their own health insurance

Network Health, a nonprofit health plan and Tufts Health Plan subsidiary that provides access to comprehensive health coverage for more than 215,000 Massachusetts residents, announced today that federal open enrollment has begun for the new QHPs established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for individuals, families, and small businesses looking to buy their own health insurance. Starting October 1, 2013, Network Health Direct will be available for purchase online through the Massachusetts Health Connector (Health Connector) and also through the health plan’s own website.

In 2014, Massachusetts residents with incomes less than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (lower than $45,960 for an individual or $94,200 for a family of four) will be eligible for new government tax credits and/or subsidies to help make their health insurance more affordable. QHP financial assistance will be available to workers and their families who are not covered under employer-sponsored plans or who do not have access to affordable employer-based coverage. For information on eligibility or help with enrollment, individuals can call Network Health at 888-257-1985 or visit Network-Health.org.

“We are excited for the opportunity to share information about our great benefits and services during this historic, federal open enrollment period,” said Debbie Gordon, Network Health chief sales and marketing officer. “Massachusetts residents now have more options and enhanced benefits, and may qualify for new federal and state programs to offset costs. Network Health has always been, and remains, committed to providing all our members access to the high-quality health care they deserve, at a price they can afford.”

Network Health will offer 10 options within Network Health Direct: Platinum Zero, Platinum 500, Gold 500, Gold 1000, Gold 1500, Silver, Bronze,  and, to those eligible, ConnectorCare 1, ConnectorCare 2, and ConnectorCare 3. These plans allow members to choose a price and plan design that best suits their needs based on desired premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses.

With Network Health Direct, all members will have access to services from a trusted network of primary care providers and specialists; doctors and a member services team who speak many languages; and in-house medical, mental health, and pharmacy professionals who work together to coordinate care. Plans include help with nonmedical needs and resources. For managing care around the clock, members have access to a user-friendly member portal, Network Health Member Connect, free health support by phone through a 24/7 NurseLine, and the health plan’s website (also available in Spanish).

Eligible individuals may enroll in Network Health Direct starting October 1, 2013, with coverage taking effect January 1, 2014.

About Network Health

Since 1997, Network Health has provided access to high-quality health care for Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes. Network Health is a nonprofit, comprehensive health plan serving members through Network Health Together® (MassHealth), Network Health Forward® (Commonwealth Care), Network Health Extend™ (Medical Security Program), Network Health Choice (an individual and small-group plan), and Network Health Unify (Medicare-Medicaid One Care for people ages 21 – 64).

To improve the health and well-being of its more than 215,000 members and their diverse communities, Network Health offers fully integrated, in-house care management, providing a team of medical, behavioral health, social care, and pharmacy professionals who coordinate member care. Network Health partners with more than 20,000 primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and community organizations statewide.

Network Health earned the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) “Excellent” Health Plan Accreditation status, NCQA’s highest accreditation rating, for its Network Health Together plan. In 2013, NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings ranked Network Health as the third highest Medicaid Health Plan in the United States. Since 2010, Network Health has ranked among the top 10 Medicaid health plans nationally, according to NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings — Medicaid. Network Health is among 10 health plans nationally and the first health plan in New England to earn the NCQA Multicultural Health Care Distinction. Additionally, Network Health is nationally recognized for its innovative programs; it won the Dorland Health Case In Point Platinum Award for “Best Social Care Management Team” in 2013, “Best Integrated Case Management Team” in 2012 and “Best Overall Case/Care Management Program” in 2010. Network Health is also recognized for its top leadership team among health plans nationwide by HealthLeaders Media.

Network Health became a subsidiary of Tufts Health Plan in 2011. Tufts Health Plan is a nonprofit organization nationally recognized for its commitment to providing innovative, high-quality health care coverage to its more than 1,000,000 members. Tufts Health Plan is one of the few health insurers in Massachusetts to participate in the commercial, Medicare and Medicaid/subsidized markets, offering coverage across the life span regardless of age or circumstance.  Its HMO and PPO plans are continually ranked in the top 10 of insurance plans across the country by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)*. Its Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO earned a 4.5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for 2013.

For more information about Network Health, call 888-257-1985 or visit Network-Health.org. Follow Network Health on Facebook and @_NetworkHealth on Twitter.

To learn about health plan options, Massachusetts residents can call the Health Connector at 877-623-6765 (TTY: 877-623-7773), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or visit MAhealthconnector.org; call MassHealth at 800-841-2900 (TTY: 800-497-4648), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit mass.gov/masshealth; or call the Medical Security Program at 800-908-8801, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit mass.gov/dua/msp.