Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care officially merge

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan have officially merged, becoming one of the region’s largest health services organizations poised to serve 2.4 million members, the nonprofit announced.

“This combination brings together the expertise of two great companies with rich legacies, and strongly preserves nonprofit health insurance coverage in our region,” said Tom Croswell, CEO of the new combined organization and formerly president and CEO of Tufts Health Plan.

Both brands will remain in the market for a period of time and benefits will not change in 2021 as a result of the combination, according to an announcement released Monday.

The new headquarters will be in Canton with move-in set for the fourth quarter of this year. A new name for the organization will also be announced soon.

“As one organization, we look forward to addressing the complex health care issues and challenges of today, tomorrow and in the future,” said Joyce Murphy, chair of the board for the newly combined companies.

The new nonprofit will immediately focus on the pandemic with an initial investment of $1 million to support education, awareness and outreach related to the coronavirus vaccine, especially in Black and brown communities.

Other key commitments include health care access for diverse communities, philanthropy and prioritization of medical and behavioral health management.

“We are excited and eager to start this journey as one organization with a vision of transforming how health care is accessed, aligning a fragmented system and guiding our members and communities to better health and a better health care experience,” said Michael Carson, president of the combined nonprofit.

The two groups initially announced the merger in August 2019 and it was formalized effective Jan. 1, 2021.

The companies said over time, more than $100 million in savings is anticipated through “administrative synergies” which will go directly to mitigating premium increases and out-of-pocket costs for members.

Dr. Stuart Altman, chair of the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, said HPC recognizes the merger could impact total health care spending in the state.

“We expect to monitor the merged company to ensure that it realizes its goals of achieving efficiencies and passing along those savings to the Massachusetts employers and individuals who pay premiums, while improving quality and access to care, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations,” Altman said.