Collaboration News:
Anthem Enables Secure Exchange of Health Information to Enhance Healthcare Experience
Anthem, Inc. (@AnthemInc) announced an effort to facilitate secure, bi-directional exchange of health information between healthcare providers and Anthem’s affiliated health plans, as a result of its collaboration with Epic. Increasing and improving this communication aims to better leverage data-driven insights in care decisions, simplify healthcare, and ultimately improve health outcomes.
Product News:
Antidote Revolutionizes US Healthcare Coverage with Family Package Available to 40 Million Uninsured Americans
Antidote (@AntidoteAI), a telehealth provider currently serving patients in five US states, announced the launch of its affordable family health care plan. The plan is the first of its kind, as it includes unlimited doctor visits for the entire family and full coverage without copay on acute and primary care prescription medications.
UPMC Health Plan Launches Virtual Concierge for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Devices
UPMC Health Plan (@upmchealthplan) announced the launch of a Virtual Concierge that will assist commercial plan members with some of their most frequently asked questions related to their benefits and coverage and how to access care and services. The Virtual Concierge is available 24/7 to provide audible responses and can even send helpful links via messages.
Wolters Kluwer launches telemedicine value sets for payers and providers to thrive post-COVID
The continued use of telehealth as an essential care modality beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency requires payers and providers to develop forward-looking strategies that facilitate high-quality virtual care at a lower cost. In response, Wolters Kluwer Health (@Wolters_Kluwer) released telehealth-specific value sets for use in health insurance claims processing, coordination of care, and benefits systems.
Financial News:
AHIP Unveils Refreshed Brand, Updated Mission to Improve Health Care for All Americans
America’s Health Insurance Plans (@ahipcoverage), announced a refreshed brand and updated mission that better aligns with its work, goals, and commitments. Moving forward, the industry trade association will go simply by AHIP. The organization has also unveiled a new logo, conveying a more modern, more inclusive and even more active AHIP, along with a new tagline: Guiding Greater Health. AHIP believes that health insurance providers play a critical role in making health care better and coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone. Its new mission and brand reflect AHIP’s commitment to innovation, solutions, equity and delivering results for every patient in every community.
A brand refresh focused on people. Together, we are guiding greater health. https://t.co/W4NZ0JHmN0 pic.twitter.com/kjtlx8lRe8
— AHIP (@AHIPCoverage) June 1, 2021
To Read:
UnitedHealthcare Introduces First-of-its-Kind Community-Based Collaborative to Improve Health Outcomes and Equity – UnitedHealthcare (@uhc) announced a community-based initiative, Community Catalyst, that convenes a broad range of community stakeholders to identify and address specific health care needs of members of the community and residents of publicly assisted housing who are often difficult to reach and serve.
CVS Health signs Human Rights Campaign’s Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation – We take great pride in joining more than 100 companies that have signed the Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation, which builds on our history of support for the LGBTQ community. We’ll continue to use our voice and the collective power of our employees, members, and customers to promote inclusiveness and equal treatment for all.
Cigna Foundation Launches New Grant Program to Help Address Social Determinants of Health – BLOOMFIELD, Conn., The Cigna Foundation (@cigna) announced that it will begin accepting applications for its new Education and Workforce Development grant program later this month. This grant cycle is part of an ongoing focus to address social determinants of health and eliminate health disparities to achieve greater health outcomes overall.
Oscar Health, Inc. Announces Inaugural Culturally Competent Care Grantees – Oscar Health, Inc. (@OscarHealth), the first health insurance company built on a full stack technology platform, announced the first grantees for its Culturally Competent Care Grant program, which in its inaugural year offers a total of $200,000 in financial support to organizations that are increasing access to care to underserved populations.
Record 31 million Americans have health-care coverage through Affordable Care Act, White House says – A record number of Americans have their health insurance through “Obamacare.” As of early 2021, nearly 31 million people were receiving healthcare benefits as part of the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by former president Barack Obama.
COVID-19 News:
CVS Health announces sweepstakes to encourage vaccinations and thank customers
CVS Health (@cvshealth) announced that beginning June 1, eligible customers who received or plan to receive a COVID-19 vaccination through CVS Health may choose to enter the #OneStepCloser sweepstakes for an opportunity to win one of over a thousand fun and exciting prizes through weekly drawings and grand prizes over a six-week period.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) Joins White House Effort to Achieve National Vaccination Goal
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield (@BCBSAssociation) Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®) announced it will launch a COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program starting Friday, June 11, 2021, to encourage members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and help meet President Biden’s goal of having at least 70% of the U.S. adult population receive one or more vaccinations for COVID-19 by July 4, 2021.
Medica Foundation Makes $100,000 in Grants to Aid Vaccination Outreach Efforts for Underserved Communities
The Medica Foundation (@Medica4Me) recently approved $100,000 in COVID-19 crisis relief grants to support efforts in Minnesota to achieve target vaccination rates that will end the pandemic. The funding will assist five organizations, noted in the chart below, that provide support to underserved members of the community.
Reports:
2021 Bold Goal Progress Report Shows Humana Medicare Advantage Members Maintained Their Overall Health In 2020, Throughout Pandemic
Humana Inc. (@Humana) unveiled its 2021 Bold Goal Progress Report which details the company’s progress with its ambitious population health strategyopens new window launched in 2015 to improve the health of the communities it serves. Humana’s Bold Goal focuses on addressing social determinants of health and the health-related social needs of Humana members and communities. The company and its many partners pay special attention to food security and social connection, with the intent of improving holistic health and health-related quality of life.
Upcoming Events:
AHIP Institute and Expo 2021 (@ahipcoverage)
What: Institute and Expo Online
When: June 22 – 24, 2021
Where: Virtual
AHIP Institute and Expo 2021 – At Institute & Expo Online, you’ll engage with health care’s most compelling experts as they take on such topics as the ongoing COVID-19 response, health equity, improving quality and value, industry transformation, behavioral health, and much more.