08.19.2019

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan Announce Merger Plan

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, the second- and third-largest health insurers in Massachusetts, respectively, on Wednesday announced plans to merge. The combined organization would have nearly 2.4 million members in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The announced agreement is subject to multiple state and federal reviews and approvals.
  
“MHA looks forward to learning more about the proposed merger between Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care,” said MHA president & CEO Steve Walsh. “We anticipate that state regulators will be reviewing the planned affiliation closely to determine whether it will ensure improved health insurance coverage, access, and affordability for Massachusetts patients.” 
  
The two health insurers had sought to merge once before, in 2011, but ultimately called off the deal. Both organizations will remain independent companies during the review and approval process, the announcement said.