Commonwealth Care Alliance® Expands Access to Mission-Aligned Primary Care

CCA Primary Care will expand clinical care options for CCA members

BOSTON, MA – June 2, 2021 – Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA), a nationally recognized not-for-profit, community-based, integrated healthcare organization focused on care and coordination for high-cost, high-needs individuals, today announced the expansion of its primary care services to better serve its more than 42,000 members. Rebranded as CCA Primary Care, this expanded clinical capacity will offer a specialized primary care option to any CCA One Care or CCA Senior Care Options (SCO) health plan members who have been unable to find a primary care physician that fits their needs.

“Every CCA member deserves access to high-quality primary care in a setting in which they are most comfortable,” said Chris Palmieri, president and CEO of Commonwealth Care Alliance. “CCA began as an integrated model of enhanced primary care for members with the most complex needs. Now, we will make sure those services are available to more of our members who need them.”

CCA Primary Care, formerly known as Commonwealth Community Care, has historically focused on providing primary care to a subset of CCA health plan members with the most significant needs. The expansion of CCA Primary Care will better ensure that we are able to effectively serve any member who has struggled to successfully engage with a primary care provider and help keep them healthy in their community. Most CCA members will continue to receive excellent primary care from trusted partners at community health centers and primary care groups across the Commonwealth.

Every CCA Primary Care patient will have access to an expanded, fully integrated care delivery team of physicians and clinicians that evaluates and understands their unique needs; behavioral and mental health care as part of their overall care plan; assistance with social needs; urgent care services; and providers equipped to accommodate language needs. These teams will all include a behavioral health specialist and, depending on the individual, may include a social worker, housing specialist, physical or occupational therapist, or a long-term services and supports coordinator.

The services will also blend in-clinic and virtual care, allowing patients to access the care method best for their overall well-being. Virtual delivery methods have been both crucial and effective during COVID-19, and the organization will continue to leverage them through the pandemic and beyond.

“Our unique approach to care is based on creating trusting relationships between the patient and provider, where the individual feels their needs are valued and respected,” said Dr. Robert MacArthur, chief medical officer at Commonwealth Care Alliance. “CCA Primary Care will offer a person-centered approach to primary care that aligns closely with our health plans and that will help our members safely maintain their independence at home.”

In the coming months, CCA will renovate its two specialized, accessible care clinics in Boston and Springfield with input from patients, staff, and members to ensure a welcoming environment for all. These clinical facilities will be constructed for team-based care to match the organization’s commitment to leveraging integrated care teams. Additionally, new engagement centers at the clinical facilities will offer programs that address concerns important to CCA members, such as food and housing security and wellness education, as well as opportunities to connect with other members of the community.

For a complete suite of member communications and to learn more about CCA Primary Care, please visit https://www.commonwealthcarealliance.org/ma/members/cca-primary-care/.