Elevance Health Addresses Healthcare’s Digital Divide by Increasing Access to High-Quality Smartphones and Health-Related Digital Services
- Elevance Health is launching a first-of-its-kind program offering high-quality smartphones with unlimited data, talk, and texting service at no cost to eligible individuals enrolled in affiliated Medicaid health plans
- The program aims to bridge the gap in access to digital tools and internet connectivity, offering easy-to-access benefits digitally as part of Medicaid plans
- The initiative is supported by funding from the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and is a collaboration between Elevance Health and Verizon, Samsung, AT&T, and T-Mobile
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Elevance Health's initiative to provide no-cost smartphones and digital health tools to eligible Medicaid recipients is a strategic move that addresses the digital divide impacting healthcare access. This program, supported by the Affordable Connectivity Program, is poised to enhance patient engagement and adherence to care plans by facilitating easier communication with healthcare providers and access to health information. By doing so, it could potentially reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations, leading to lower healthcare costs and improved outcomes.
From a policy perspective, such initiatives are aligned with the broader goals of value-based care, which emphasizes the importance of preventative care and patient engagement. By providing the necessary tools for digital health literacy and access, Elevance Health is not only improving individual health outcomes but also contributing to the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. This could set a precedent for other healthcare providers to follow, potentially influencing policy decisions and funding allocations for similar programs in the future.
The collaboration between Elevance Health, Verizon and major mobile technology companies like Samsung, AT&T and T-Mobile reflects a growing trend in the telecommunications industry to partner with healthcare providers. These partnerships are creating new market opportunities for telecom companies, as they expand their customer base to include underserved populations through federally funded programs. The focus on high-quality smartphones with unlimited data plans is indicative of an industry shift towards more inclusive offerings that cater to a broader range of consumer needs, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Telecom companies stand to benefit from increased data usage and customer loyalty, as well as potential upsell opportunities as consumers become more accustomed to using digital tools for healthcare. Moreover, the telecom industry's involvement in such health initiatives may enhance their public image and strengthen their position in regulatory discussions about the role of technology in bridging the digital divide.
The launch of Elevance Health's program is likely to have a ripple effect across the healthcare market, especially within the Medicaid segment. By integrating digital and virtual tools into Medicaid plans, Elevance Health is setting a new standard for patient care that competitors will likely need to match to stay relevant. This could lead to an increase in tech-driven healthcare solutions and partnerships between health insurers and tech companies.
Understanding the demographics of the Medicaid population is crucial for assessing the potential impact of this program. With a significant portion lacking smartphone ownership and broadband internet access, Elevance Health's initiative could drastically improve healthcare accessibility for this group. Market research will be key in monitoring the adoption rates of the program and its effectiveness in improving health outcomes, which could influence investment in similar technology-based health interventions.
Elevance Health gives eligible consumers no-cost access to customized suite of digital and virtual health tools through funding from the Affordable Connectivity Program
“Increased availability of digital technologies, such as a smartphone, as well as fast, reliable internet is critical to supporting a person’s health journey," said Omid Toloui, Vice President, Innovation, at Elevance Health. “We believe the digital tools and the custom, curated experience offered through this program can help improve health, make healthcare more affordable, and serve people more equitably.”
This effort is a result of a collaboration between Elevance Health and Verizon, together with Samsung, AT&T, and T-Mobile. It is supported by funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Elevance Health’s program is different from other ACP benefits because of its high-quality offerings, customization, and healthcare focus.
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The provided smartphones will serve as a connection point for individuals to reach their Medicaid health plan care team, who can help address their whole-health needs. Program participants will have access to complementary educational materials on how to use and navigate the smartphone as well as a dedicated customer service call center for support, if needed.
"The lack of sufficient internet connectivity and technology access remains a significant barrier for many – increasing health inequities," said Kurt Small, President of Elevance Health’s Medicaid business. “This program aims to directly address this challenge and helps improve the health of the people we serve.”
The program will launch in multiple states in 2024, with the ambitious goal of reaching hundreds of thousands of members within Elevance Health's affiliated Medicaid plans.
To check eligibility and participate in the program, if appropriate:
- Individuals will work with their Elevance Health affiliated Medicaid health plan to check their eligibility for financial support through the ACP.
- Eligible individuals will then work with their Medicaid health plan to participate in the program.
- Once this program has been launched in respective states, Medicaid members can contact member services using the number listed on the back of their insurance card to learn more.
About Elevance Health
Elevance Health is a lifetime, trusted health partner fueled by its purpose to improve the health of humanity. The company supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire care journey – connecting them to the care, support, and resources they need to lead healthier lives. Elevance Health’s companies serve approximately 117 million people through a diverse portfolio of industry-leading medical, digital, pharmacy, behavioral, clinical, and complex care solutions. For more information, please visit www.elevancehealth.com or follow us @ElevanceHealth on Twitter and Elevance Health on LinkedIn.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240111127061/en/
Hieu Nguyen
hieu.nguyen2@elevancehealth.com
(202) 510-8848
Source: Elevance Health, Inc.
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