Elderplan/HomeFirst to Acquire Membership of EverCare Choice

Elderplan/HomeFirst, a not-for-profit health plan and member of the MJHS Health System, today announced that they will acquire the membership of EverCare Choice, a not-for-profit managed long-term care (MLTC) organization in Hudson Valley. While the acquisition is still pending formal New York State Department of Health (DOH) approval, it is expected to take effect on May 1, 2024. EverCare will continue to operate its certified home health agency and social adult day care program.

EverCare Choice, an MLTC plan caring for at-risk Medicaid recipients in Orange, Rockland and Dutchess counties, must discontinue operations under a change in DOH policy and has selected HomeFirst to care for their MLTC members. HomeFirst currently has members across New York City, as well as Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

“Over the past 20 years, EverCare Choice has been committed to providing our members with high-quality care, delivered with compassion and respect,” said Sylvia McTigue, president and CEO of EverCare. “When it became clear the new DOH policy meant EverCare Choice could no longer operate as a freestanding MLTC plan, selecting the best possible organization to assume the care of our members was paramount. We picked Elderplan/HomeFirst because it is a not-for-profit, high-quality 4-Star MLTC plan that shares a similar mission and values. I feel very confident about entrusting our members to their care,” McTigue added.

Elderplan/HomeFirst currently has more than 36,000 members. It is estimated that 700 EverCare members will join HomeFirst, deepening the plan’s presence in the Hudson Valley.

“We are proud that EverCare chose Elderplan/HomeFirst to assume the care of their MLTC members based on our long-standing reputation for high-quality and an unwavering commitment to our members,” said David Wagner, president and CEO of Elderplan/HomeFirst and MJHS Health System. “With more than 40 years of experience in caring for and guiding vulnerable, at-risk members with complex medical needs, the entire Elderplan/HomeFirst team looks forward to welcoming EverCare Choice members and supporting their smooth transition between plans,” he added.