MaineHealth launches new membership-based primary care service

MaineHealth has launched a new membership-based primary care service in Portland that it says will improve access to care.

Under the model, patients pay a monthly membership fee starting at $109 a month and have access to a health care team that includes a primary care provider, behavioral health specialist, pharmacist, physical therapist, and a health coach.

MaineHealth officials say patients will be able to make more timely appointments and meet longer with providers than traditional primary care.

“We’ve created a model that simplifies access and payment, so the focus stays where it belongs — on health, not hurdles,” says Tamara StClaire, President of Trellis Health in a written statement.

The fee covers only primary care visits, and not specialty care or surgeries. Patients enrolled