Papa, eternalHealth expand partnership around Plus platform
Papa is expanding its relationship with eternalHealth, with the Boston-based insurer signing on for three core services from its Papa Plus platform.
Papa and Boston-based insurer eternalHealth have expanded their collaboration, with the insurer incorporating three core services from Papa's Plus platform. EternalHealth will provide its Medicare Advantage members in Massachusetts and Arizona with Papa's tools for post-discharge support, care gap closure, and fall risk prevention.
Papa's "Pals" offer critical assistance to patients during difficult times, such as transportation to follow-up appointments, medication pickup, and home preparation for discharge. They also help members schedule and attend preventive services and tests, and identify fall risks, which are then reported to the plan. Papa and eternalHealth have worked together since 2023, with members consistently rating the program highly.
Papa CEO Andrew Parker explained that the services offered through Papa Plus naturally evolved as members grew more comfortable with their Pal. Parker emphasized that members must express a desire for these services, as they may be hesitant about how they could impact their independence or medical benefits. To address these concerns, Papa has provided training for its Pals to answer members' questions and to ensure they understand the benefits.
The options are also available in Papa's app, allowing Pals to guide members through the appointment scheduling process. Parker shared an example of a recent scenario where a member, set to be discharged from the hospital, was able to schedule a follow-up appointment with the assistance of their Pal and the discharge planner. Parker noted that Pals have experienced positive feedback and have shifted demographics from college students to older women with caregiving experience.
EternalHealth, which has seen a 170% membership increase between 2025 and 2026, has also conducted over 5,000 visits through the Papa program. Pooja Ika, eternalHealth's founder and CEO, emphasized the partnership's success is built on results, trust, and the importance of human connection in health and well-being.
Written by urgent.news from Fierce Healthcare's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
