PALO ALTO, Calif. & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Theranos Inc., the ground-breaking consumer health care technology company, and AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other integrated health care solutions, today announced a national strategic partnership to improve health outcomes by providing greater access to less invasive, more efficient diagnostic tests to Medicaid members and empowering them to fully engage with their physicians in their health care. The partnership represents the first time a Medicaid managed care organization will make Theranos’ innovative diagnostic tests available directly to underserved populations.
The strategic partnership between Theranos and AmeriHealth Caritas signifies a shared commitment to bring groundbreaking health care technology to disadvantaged individuals and underserved communities who typically do not have access to these health care advancements.
Working with Theranos, AmeriHealth Caritas members will be able to access more convenient, high quality, and less invasive clinician-directed laboratory testing, from a blood sample taken from a tiny finger stick or a micro-sample taken from traditional methods, eliminating the need for larger needles and numerous vials of blood required for most diagnostic laboratory testing. Results to Theranos’ laboratory tests are available more quickly – often in a matter of hours as opposed to days or weeks.
“At Theranos, we believe access to actionable health information to protect our own health and that of those we love is a basic human right. We are committed to bringing our groundbreaking technology to those individuals and places that have been forgotten and ignored for too long. If we are going to launch a new era in preventive health care, then we must ensure that every person ─ and especially those in need ─ are empowered to find out more about their health at a time when it matters most and they can change outcomes,” said Elizabeth Holmes, Founder and CEO of Theranos. “Over 40 percent of lab test orders don’t get filled because testing services are inconvenient and cost too much. Improved access is the best way to help save lives, because access to information puts the focus on earlier detection and prevention instead of diagnosis and treatment.” Holmes added, “AmeriHealth Caritas has lived this mission of serving Medicaid for more than a quarter of a century. They are a national leader in Medicaid managed care, committed to improving the health of underserved and chronically ill populations. We are proud to be able to partner with them in this important work.”
"Regardless of how old you are, where you live, or how much you earn, every American should have access to quality health care," said Paul A. Tufano, Chairman and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas. "Our goal is to give the disadvantaged in our country ─ the poor, the chronically ill ─ the dignity and respect that comes with having a health care experience comparable to what most Americans enjoy ─ an experience based on an informed, consultative relationship with a health care professional. Our hope is that, equipped with reliable, real-time information gained through Theranos' innovative technology and accessible model, our members will be more likely to engage with a physician and make timely health care decisions, as well as develop a comprehensive care plan for living a healthier life. By complementing our current provider resources, we are hoping to increase the number of members who are going to get direction on improving their health outcomes."
Theranos’ platform is a global model for health care, shifting the paradigm away from diagnosis and treatment, to one focused on early detection and prevention. Theranos is leading transparency in lab testing, including voluntarily committing to FDA review of all of its LDTs and publishing its prices, lab proficiency testing scores, customer satisfaction scores, guest visit times, and more. Theranos offers a full spectrum of laboratory tests, from the most common panels to highly specialized tests, on smaller samples than traditional labs. Its laboratory services are provided through its network of Theranos Wellness Centers, located in Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania.
Through its integrated managed care products, behavioral health services, full-service pharmaceutical benefit manager, specialty pharmacy and other administrative services, AmeriHealth Caritas operates in 16 states and the District of Columbia and serves more than 6.6 million members. AmeriHealth Caritas is committed to investing in its members upfront. Its comprehensive, compassionate and outcomes-driven approach to care aims to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families and communities, while at the same time, reduce health care costs for individuals and the overall health care system.
About Theranos
Headquartered in Palo Alto, Theranos, Inc. is a consumer health technology company. Founded in 2003 by Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos’ mission is to make actionable information accessible to everyone at the time it matters. Theranos is working to facilitate the early detection and prevention of disease, and empower people everywhere to live their best possible lives. Visit us at theranos.com. Follow us at @theranos.
About AmeriHealth Caritas (Corrected)
AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. AmeriHealth Caritas operates in 16 states and the District of Columbia, and serves more than 6.6 million Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management services, behavioral health services and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.
