Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio has announced the rollout of an innovative new program, with Propeller Health’s collaboration, to help improve health outcomes for Ohio consumers enrolled in Anthem’s Medicare Advantage health plans who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Image: The digital medicine consists of small sensors that easily attach to consumers' existing inhalers. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.
Propeller’s leading digital medicines for COPD and asthma management consists of small sensors that easily attach to consumers’ existing inhalers. The sensors are paired with a mobile app to automatically track medication use and provide personal feedback and insights that help individuals manage and cope with symptoms.
Anthem’s care management team will also use Propeller’s online provider portal to help understand consumers’ progress in managing their COPD, providing more targeted, personalized care and treatment. Consumers need a history of at least one emergency room visit or hospitalization caused by COPD to be eligible for this program.
Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Central Region managing medical director Dr Linda Hotchkiss said: “There’s currently no cure for COPD, but much can be done to help consumers treat the disease.
“This collaboration between Anthem and Propeller gives individuals access to connected care technology that will help them more easily manage their COPD, in order to help them have a better quality of life. Anthem will continue to focus on improving consumers’ healthcare experience by increasing access to high-quality, meaningful solutions.”
Almost sixteen million Americans suffer from COPD and millions more are unaware they have the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Propeller co-founder and CEO David Van Sickle said: “We’re excited to partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio to bring the benefits of digital medicine to Anthem’s consumers who suffer from COPD.
“The insights and feedback from our platform help people suffering from COPD control their symptoms and strengthen the relationship with their care providers.”
Anthem’s care management team will begin working this summer with providers and eligible consumers to start enrollment.
Source: Company Press Release