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Sponsored by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Updated: September 28, 2020 2020 Giving Guide

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

 

Bill Whitmore, Vice President of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

When 2020 began, I never imagined we would be facing a global pandemic that would present challenges so unique we would have to change our way of life. But we all know that things rarely go as we have planned, and how we react and respond to the unexpected challenges is the most important thing.

By the time March arrived, Harvard Pilgrim — like many other organizations — had to quickly adapt to this new environment. Throughout the challenge, from the first days until now, Harvard Pilgrim has stayed true to our mission of improving the quality and value of health care for the people and communities we serve.

As a health insurance company, our mission meant ensuring there were no gaps in care or coverage for our members affected by COVID-19. We adjusted guidelines so that employer groups and members could retain coverage and also provided premium relief. We removed all cost sharing related to COVID-19, both for testing and for treatment. We ensured our members had easier access to telemedicine services for both their medical and behavioral health care. We also rolled out new virtual wellness programs and additional behavioral health resources to make it easier for members to stay well from home. 

As a nonprofit partner, we know it’s never been more important for Harvard Pilgrim to be there for the Maine community. Our fellow Maine nonprofits — the ones people depend on most — have been hurt financially by the pandemic, while the demand for their services has increased. Maine’s nonprofit community is needed now more than ever before.

Since mid-March, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has provided more than $1.7 million in COVID-19 relief grants to 71 nonprofit organizations in Maine to help those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic.

Through our partnership with Cooking for Community and the YMCA of Southern Maine, our Foundation contributed $240,000 in funding to coordinate a meal delivery program in greater Portland. Cooking for Community coordinates with local restaurants to prepare weekly meals for older adults, immigrant families and others in need. Since the pandemic began, the YMCA of Southern Maine has delivered thousands of meals to low-income residents in Biddeford, Freeport, New Gloucester and Portland. In addition, the program has helped dozens of meal preparation and delivery workers either return to work or stay employed.

In addition, our Foundation contributed $700,000 to three Community Health Centers, including Greater Portland Health, Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor, and B Street Health Center – Community Clinical Services in Lewiston to address health disparities among our most vulnerable populations.

The COVID-19 pandemic is continually changing the world around us, and we are responding in different and meaningful ways every day. But we can take comfort in knowing that times like these bring out the best in people. I applaud how the non-profit community has rallied to help the most vulnerable Mainers during this unprecedented time.

There is still much uncertainty in the months ahead and more work to be done. As your non-profit partner, Harvard Pilgrim will continue to stand with you. Not just so we can get through this crisis, but so we can continue to move forward together when it’s over.