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Steward Health Care: What Our Members Need to Know

August 2024

 

Here’s What’s Happening:

 

Steward Health Care recently announced its intentions to close two of its eight hospitals in Massachusetts: Carney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer. Both facilities are expected to close their doors by August 31, according to reports.

 

Wellpoint will continue to cover care at both Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center while they are still open. We will continue to monitor developments; please check this webpage for updates.

 

We know you may have concerns about accessing care after these facilities close. Wellpoint is here to support you and help you transition your care. Members can contact Member Services for assistance through our Sydney Health app or by calling the number on your Wellpoint ID Card.

 

 

State Resources:

 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has set up a call center and website with information and resources for patients:

 

Website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/steward-health-care-resources

 

 

Commonwealth’s Steward Health Care Call Center: (617) 468-2189; toll-free: (833) 305-2070. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. E.T. (excluding state holidays).

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Can I still go to a Steward hospital?

 

Yes – Steward Health Care has said its facilities are open and continue to provide care to patients, and these facilities currently accept Wellpoint insurance. Steward Health Care recently announced its intentions to close Carney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer by August 31. We encourage members using these two facilities to consider finding a new healthcare facility.

 

 

What if I need emergency care from a Steward hospital?

 

Anyone needing emergency care should immediately go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis should call 9-8-8. Emergency care is covered according to the member’s benefits. The emergency departments at Steward hospitals are open and functioning. Patients who receive care at Steward hospitals and from Steward-associated providers may continue to go to their usual Steward emergency departments if they need emergency care.

 

 

If my primary care physician (PCP) is a Steward doctor, do I need to find a new one?

 

Steward facilities are currently open and serving patients. Given the planned closure of Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, we encourage members to consider finding a new provider.

 

Members can use the Sydney Health mobile app or wellpointmass.com to find doctors near them. For tips on finding a new provider, click here. Members can also contact Member Services through Sydney Health or by calling the number on their Wellpoint ID Card for assistance finding a new provider in their area.

 

 

Where can I get care once Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center close?

 

For those receiving care at Carney Hospital or Nashoba Valley Medical Center, you may want to start the medical record transfer process with your healthcare provider to another facility.

 

 

Closest hospitals to Carney Hospital in Dorchester:

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, Milton, MA
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham, Needham, MA
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
  • Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
  • Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
  • Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, Jamaica Plain, MA
  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
  • Cambridge Health Alliance, multiple locations in Cambridge and Somerville, MA
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
  • Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA
  • Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
  • MelroseWakefield Hospital, Melrose, MA
  • Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA
  • New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA
  • Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA
  • Shriners Children’s Boston, Boston, MA
  • St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (Steward Health Care), Boston, MA
  • Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA

 

Closest hospitals to Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer:

  • Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA
  • UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Clinton, Clinton, MA
  • UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Hospital, Leominster, MA

 

For a list of urgent care facilities in these areas, click here.

 

 

All other Steward facilities: If you get care at a Steward facility other than Carney Hospital or Nashoba Valley Medical Center, there is no need to make changes to your medical care. Your appointments, screenings, treatments, and therapies should continue to occur as usual. If there are any changes, your provider should be in touch directly with you to make any adjustments to your appointments. If you have any questions about your care, please contact your provider.