HSPH health policy experts discuss implications of proposed Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan merger

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, Massachusetts’ second and third largest health plans, are exploring a merger that would help them to compete against market leader Blue Cross Blue Shield, it was announced on January 25.

HSPH health policy experts including Nancy Turnbull and Meredith Rosenthal weighed in on the planned merger with a number of Boston media outlets. Turnbull told WBZ NewsRadio that while the merger will provide consumers with fewer options, its increased leverage with hospitals and other providers could help lower health care costs.

Links to coverage

Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Discuss Possible Health Insurance Merger (WBZ NewsRadio)

Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Sign Memo to Explore Merger (Boston Globe)

Insurance Mergers Can Lead To Mixed Results For Consumers, Companies (WBUR)

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Department of Health Policy and Management