Three payers recently launched pilot programs to address needs ranging from colorectal cancer screenings to food insecurity:
1. Centene subsidiary WellCare of North Carolina has launched the Health Opportunities pilot program in the state. The pilot is the nation's first comprehensive program to test nonmedical interventions, such as providing healthy food boxes and addressing transportation needs of Medicaid beneficiaries, according to a May 10 WellCare news release.
The pilot is taking place in three phases.The first, launched March 15, addresses food security. The second, launched May 1, supports housing and transportation services. The third, launching June 15, will work to address toxic and chronic stress, such as interpersonal violence.
2. Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross said April 29 it is partnering with the national nonprofit Colorectal Cancer Alliance for a screening and prevention program to address the reduction in colorectal cancer screening rates among Black Philadelphians since the start of the pandemic. The three-year pilot program, called Cycles of Impact, aims to screen at least 2,400 Philadelphia residents and prevent at least 60 cancer diagnoses.
3. Detroit-based Blue Care Network April 5 launched a precision medicine program, Blue Cross Personalized Medicine, that uses pharmacogenomics to personalize and tailor medication treatments for members. The HMO subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is basing the treatments on a review of members' prescribed medications for diagnoses, including behavioral health, cardiology, cardiovascular and oncology. OneOme, a Minneapolis-based biotechnology company, is facilitating the program.