Military health plan teams with Lahey
US Family Health Plan, a military-sponsored healthcare program, has expanded its coverage area to include Lahey Clinic, which has locations in Burlington and Peabody, Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, and Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill.
The Brighton-based nonprofit provides health insurance to military personnel and their families, or retirees with 20 or more years of military service. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 potential customers live in the area served by Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford. But US Family Health - officially known as the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan - now has only a fraction of them signed up.
US Family Heatlh approached Lahey last year. The goal was to grow its market share around the Air Force base. Currently, 4,000 to 5,000 people are eligible for the health plan. But only about 1,200 are enrolled. A market survey showed many more would sign up if they could be treated at Lahey, an official said.
"The research suggested Lahey because of the broad diversity of specialties it offers and the quality of its care," said David Chicoine, vice president of US Family Health, which is part of the government's military healthcare system. "They saw value in us as well."
Lahey Clinic also owns 12 physician practices in the region. Because of its broad reach, US Family Health also agreed to extend coverage to Anna Jaques and Merrimack Valley hospitals, Chicoine said.
"Lahey wanted to make sure they preserved their local community relationships," he said. "We agreed to allow patients of Lahey doctors in those places to use their local hospitals. And if they can't find the care there, then they can go to Lahey."
The loan program originally was aimed at the victims of predatory lenders. It has since been adjusted to include people who can't pay their mortgage, or won't be able to, once their rate adjusts. MassHousing recently mailed letters to thousands of Bay State homeowners saddled with subprime mortgages, whose rates are about to adjust, to make them aware of the Home Saver program, according to MassHousing.
Home Saver requires that borrowers receive financial counseling. It also refinances existing loans if a borrower is no more than 60 days behind on payments. Homeowners already in foreclosure are not eligible. The restrictions may be one reason why only 12 Home Saver loans have been written statewide since the program started last fall. Another five loans are pending, according to MassHousing.
"We're working to make people aware of the program," said Tom Farmer, a MassHousing spokesman. "We work with very good banks."
Danversbank is one of 24 lenders statewide approved for the Home Saver program.
Other local lenders include Cape Ann Savings Bank in Gloucester, East Boston Savings Bank, North Shore Bank of Peabody, Eastern Bank of Lynn, Metropolitan Credit Union of Chelsea, and Salem Five Bank of Salem.
Skyrocketing gas, diesel, and electricity prices have had broad impact across the business spectrum, a chamber official said.
"Healthcare had always been the big elephant in the room," said Joe Bevilacqua, the chamber's executive director.
"Now that's been supplanted by energy costs. They're so unpredictable, businesses can't plan for it. There needs to be some predictability."
Patrick will be the guest speaker at the chamber's annual dinner, scheduled for 6 p.m. at DiBurro's of Haverhill.
The chamber also hopes to make a case for limiting the business tax burden, Bevilacqua said.
"Our companies are facing a difficult time in this economic slowdown," he added.
"They don't need any more tax burden. I honestly do believe the governor and Legislature know they just can't go after business."
The night will also honor Len Wilson, former chairman of the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board.
He'll receive the Wilkinson Award, given annually to an individual who works to improve the economic climate of the valley.
The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council will receive the Community Spirit Award for its Head Start Program.
"All the money we raise will go to them," said Gardner Trask, the club's legislative officer. "The work they do is just terrific. We want to give them some help."
Sponsors will be listed on race T-shirts and acknowledged on banners and other promotional materials. The ride is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., beginning at Danvers High School on Cabot Road. Riders are welcome, too. The cost is $20 per rider, and $10 per passenger. For information, call 978-774-6380 or visit falconriders.com.
The North Shore Technology Council will hold its monthly breakfast meeting from 7 to 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Peabody Marriott on Centennial Drive. A panel discussion on "Early Stage Dollars: Government and Other Programs for Funding Your Dream Without Giving Up Equity," is planned. The cost is $25 for council members and $45 for noncouncil members. To register, go to nstc.org
Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com.
