From launching new health plans to partnering with existing payers, more startups are moving into the health insurance space. Here are six startups Becker's has reported on since Aug. 1.
Curative introduces no-copay health plan in Texas
Startup Curative, best known for providing COVID-19 testing, is launching a health plan in the Austin, Texas, area billed as having no copay or deductible costs. The startup was launched by British entrepreneur Fred Turner in 2020.
Startup Cityblock Health expanding to Indiana to serve MDwise plan members
Cityblock Health, a New York City-based startup focused on providing care to low income patients, announced it is expanding to Indiana Sept. 20, in partnership with insurer MDwise. Cityblock, founded in 2017, also operates in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Ohio. The company was spun-off from Google's urban innovation group Sidewalk Labs in 2017, according to CNBC.
Former Humana execs launch small business benefits startup
Two former Humana executives are creating a new business focused on selling health plans to employers with fewer than 50 employees, KYInno reported Sept. 20. Arrow Health, created by former Humana Director of Strategy and Growth Waleed Bahouth and former Director of Benefits Erik Anderson founded the company, which currently has 43 clients for 2023 benefits.
Priority Health, Homeward partner on value-based rural care
Priority Health, a Michigan nonprofit payer, is partnering with rural-healthcare-focused startup Homeward to provide at-home and mobile care. Homeward recently clinched $50 million in series B funding.
Small-business-focused startup Sana expands to new markets
Sana, a small-business-focused payer, announced Sept. 14 it is moving into Alabama. The startup also entered the Wisconsin small business market in August.
Cigna, Optum among backers of mental health platform Alma in $130M investment roun
Cigna and Optum's venture funds were among the investors backing mental health startup Alma, a company that helps independent mental healthcare providers build their platforms. The startup raised $130 million of series D funding, it said Aug. 30.