SEVEN HILLS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio (Anthem) today 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).
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.
“There’s currently no cure for COPD, but much can be done to help consumers treat the disease,” said Linda Hotchkiss, MD, Managing Medical Director, Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Central Region. “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.
“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,” said David Van Sickle, Propeller Co-Founder and CEO. “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.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Ohio Medicaid program. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an LPPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/anthembcbs and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.
About Propeller Health
Propeller Health is a leading digital therapeutics company dedicated to the development and commercialization of measurably better medicines. Propeller creates products to more effectively treat disease and improve clinical outcomes for patients across a range of therapeutic areas through connectivity, analytics, and companion digital experiences. The Propeller platform is used by patients, physicians and healthcare organizations in the US, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.propellerhealth.com.