Tufts to sell health coverage in Rhode Island

Tufts Health Plan said today it will sell health insurance in Rhode Island starting Jan. 1. The insurer, the state's third-largest, has been signing contracts with hospitals and physicians in Rhode Island, and has opened a sales office in Providence.

It will offer a preferred-provider organization plan, which typically has a less restrictive network than a traditional HMO plan.

"We believe Rhode Island employers, consumers and providers will benefit from our commitment to quality and health management," said James Roosevelt Jr., Tufts' chief executive, in a statement.

Tufts has about 690,000 members in Massachusetts. Last year, it was named the No. 2 health plan in the country for HMO plans by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, which rates health plans.
(By Jeffrey Krasner, Globe staff)