How a dreamy health insurance partnership increases access to care through technology

Promoting independent living through home healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries and support for caregivers. 

(as a disclaimer, Doctor’s Choice is an independent insurance broker and does not promote one company over another, we are simply highlighting innovation for the benefit of the consumer) 

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Regency Medicare Advantage partnered with Best Buy Health to create Lively Mobile Plus, a new technology innovating the personal emergency response system.

The technology provides virtual care options customized for the user, harnessing the power of virtual care. “The device helps promote independent living by providing members with 24/7 support from trained staff to help with emergency health problems or non-emergency events like being locked out of their home. In addition, the device has fall detection technology and can help members address certain social determinants of health such as transportation, food insecurity, and social isolation.” (healthpayerintelligence.com) 

These healthcare organizations are recognizing one of the many trends of the pandemic: caregivers are at an all time high as 45% of Americans are caring for loved ones before Coronavirus, and the number is steadily increasing. This new technology allows caregivers to check in on family and loved ones with a support line to offer emotional assistance. 

The Blue Cross and Best Buy Health partnership is not alone in picking up on new opportunities for care. CVS and Aetna announced a partnership with Landmark Health that utilizes home healthcare in addressing chronic disease management. Their users are confined to their homes and have co-morbidities, or multiple chronic conditions. They will have access to 24/7 care via a virtual healthcare professional. 

The idea of these services is to allow the most vulnerable populations to remain at home while getting the care they need. Patients will receive the care of their primary care physician in addition to the care from the virtual healthcare professionals, increasing a “wrap-around” care model keeping people safe and sound at home. 

It’s believed that these trends of creating better care at home will reduce healthcare spending overall and also mitigate some social determinants of health. Extension of virtual care reduces the need to leave the house meaning that people can get the care they need even when they don’t have a ride or funds to pay for transport. The Coronavirus means that elective healthcare is restricted in most places, leaving those who need routine care in the lurch. But with these services, people will get what they need when they need it. 

Again we try to look at the silver lining in everything, and we can do the same with these new innovations in care. If the virus will do one thing, it is opening opportunities for innovation among health providers and insurance companies to create partnerships that strengthen alternative care solutions, home health care, caregiver support and an overhaul in the care for our elders.