Cityblock Health, Tufts Health Plan offering personalized care to One Care members in Massachusetts

Photo: FG Trade/Getty Images

Value-based care provider Cityblock Health, which focuses on Medicaid and lower-income Medicare beneficiaries, has expanded its collaboration with Tufts Health Plan to offer personalized medical, behavioral and social care to Tufts Health Unify members in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties in Massachusetts. 

Tufts Health Unify serves members under the age of 65 who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, as part of Massachusetts' One Care program.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Cityblock's community-based care model connects patients enrolled in Tufts Health Plan's Unify plan with a multidisciplinary care team that includes primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, community health workers and nurse care managers. 

The model moves beyond traditional medical care to address social issues like housing, employment, legal aid, transportation, food, and childcare, without adding to members' costs. 

According to Cityblock, the approach has been beneficial for those with complex medical and behavioral needs, those managing chronic conditions, and those seeking additional resources and support.

Since arriving in the Commonwealth in March 2020, Cityblock has served nearly 1,800 low-income individuals living with disabilities through this innovative care model – with an 86% Net Promoter Score from members.

With the expansion of services, Cityblock doubles its presence in Massachusetts and will provide integrated care for about 3,300 members in the setting of their choice – in their home or community, over video or on the phone.

Tufts Health Plan and Cityblock are currently reaching out to eligible members and their current providers in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties to raise awareness about the offering.

THE LARGER TREND

Cityblock announced another partnership in August, that one with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Blue Cross NC clinics will tap into Cityblock's community-focused care model that focuses on a holistic approach to addressing physical and behavioral health, as well as social determinants of health.

The collaboration officially kicked off on July 1 for eligible members of Blue Cross NC's Standard Plan and Medicare Advantage in Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Fayetteville, and includes pediatric services and maternity support.

Cityblock's multidisciplinary care teams – including primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, pharmacists and nurse care managers – are led by Community Health Partners, who are typically hired from the communities they serve. They spend time getting to know each member, meeting them where and when works best for them, whether that's at one of the organization's hubs, at home, in the community or by phone, text message or video visit.

Community Health Partners work closely with each member on their personalized care plan and ensure they receive the care they need.

The clinics are currently open and Blue Cross NC and Cityblock have begun outreach to eligible members.

ON THE RECORD

"Our work in Massachusetts launched in March 2020, just a few weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Toyin Ajayi, Cityblock's president and cofounder. "Over the last 16 months, we've worked alongside community partners in Worcester to meet our members' most pressing needs, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive."

"The last year and a half has been a trying time for us all, but has been particularly difficult for our Unify members," said Jean Yang, president of Tufts Health Plan's Public Plans division. "The pilot with Cityblock showed crucial evidence of the strengths of the model, with more than 75% of our eligible Unify members being engaged by their care teams. We're thrilled to expand the reach of these services to members in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, and seek new and innovative ways to combat the social determinants of health."
 

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com