Senior Whole Health comes to Boston

Senior Whole Health (SWH), a new health care plan that is dedicated to ensuring low-income seniors maintain their independence, announced last month that it is making a major commitment to Boston.

“We believe that our approach of combining all-inclusive medical care and support services is an attractive option for Boston seniors and their families,” said John Baackes, CEO of the Cambridge-based insurer.

“Not only are we offering our health care plan in Boston, but we are planning to become an active member of the city and its surrounding communities,” he added.

SWH has already entered into agreements with four health care providers in the greater Boston area, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Caritas Carney Hospital and Boston Medical Center. In addition, 1,200 physicians and six nursing homes are also affiliated with the plan.

SWH is a leader in a new health care program available only in Massachusetts called Senior Care Organizations (SCO). If you’re 65 years old and qualify for MassHealth, you’re eligible for coverage under the SCO program. People can receive Medicare and still be eligible.

SWH’s program offers comprehensive care, including preventive services, physician and hospital care, all prescription drugs, and support services at home, among other services.

Members are allowed to choose their primary care doctor. SWH nurse and service coordinators work with members and their doctors to develop a care plan tailored to each member’s needs. And a nurse is available for consultation 24 hours a day.

“Our goals are to maintain our members’ health and allow them to stay in their own homes,” explained Baackes. “We were created to satisfy a growing demand by consumers and public policy makers for quality care and an alternative to nursing homes. We believe this is the future of senior health care.”