Cigna is expecting employers to turn their attention to virtual care, social determinants of health and behavioral care in 2024.
The insurer predicted six top healthcare trends for 2024 in a research paper published Jan. 22.
Here are the six trends that will shape healthcare in 2024, according to Cigna:
- Patients will look to receive care in a hybrid manner — combining in-person, at home and remote monitoring for care. Digital programs will help people engage more in their care in 2024, furthering the move to value-based care, according to Cigna's report.
- Employers will take a greater interest in addressing health equity and social determinants of health for their employees.
- Virtual care for behavioral health will continue to grow in 2024, and treating behavioral health alongside physical conditions will be a greater focus for providers.
- Employers will invest more in health plan offerings as a retention tool, Cigna predicts, adding things like supplemental benefits for serious illness and incentives for engaging in preventive care.
- Remote patient monitoring technology, like wearables, sensors and apps, will continue to grow in 2024. This technology, and other tools, offers employers a chance to reduce health plan costs, according to Cigna.
- With rising drug costs, and emerging drug categories like GLP-1 drugs and gene therapies, employers will look for more ways to control pharmacy spending.
Read the full report here.