Humana is entering a partnership with platform and health data solutions provider Validic that will boost connectivity between members’ tech devices and the health plan.
The partnership will enable millions of Humana’s Medicare and Medicaid members to connect their wearables, health apps and in-home medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors, to Humana’s wellness and rewards program, Go365.
Humana executives note the new arrangement will enable members to use their own devices—that’s important, because 35 percent of wearable owners today use devices that are not manufactured by one of the top five wearable vendors. “This bring-your-own-device approach enables more members to participate and engage in Humana's wellness program, regardless of technology preference, tech savvy or ability to afford a high-end device,” they say.
"In broadening the accessibility of Go365—both in terms of connectivity and membership—we enable more people, including those with differing socioeconomic backgrounds or health challenges, to achieve better health in a premier wellness program," says Jeff Reid, senior vice president of wellness solutions at Humana.
Humana launched Go365 in January 2017 to help members track healthy habits and activities, including obtaining recommended wellness check-ups, immunizations and screenings. Members are able to choose their level of engagement and participate in personalized activities tailored to their specific health needs and interests, the plan says.
Humana’s Go365 offers personalized educational content aimed at fundamentally changing lifestyle and behaviors to reduce the risk of chronic conditions, the plan says. It uses activity challenges and rewards tailored to the individual to incentivize engagement.
With the addition of Validic, Humana plans to expand the devices and data points available in Go365 to address health barriers such as nutrition, smoking cessation and mental health.
The partnership between Humana and Validic is intended to reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life through Validic’s ability to make the personal data actionable, according to Humana.
Drew Schiller, Validic’s CEO, says “the collaboration is about focusing resources on populations that require more attention and giving support to individuals that need a continuous partner in their health. The work between Humana and Validic is about empowering people with the tools and freedom to live better and healthier lives."
