Humana and Strive Health Announce Expansion of Holistic, Patient-Centered Care for People with Kidney Disease
Humana Inc. and Strive Health announce a new value-based care agreement for Humana Medicare Advantage plan members living with kidney disease in multiple states. The partnership aims to improve patient health outcomes and quality of life through holistic kidney care services.
The partnership between Humana Inc. and Strive Health signifies a strategic move within the healthcare industry, particularly in the managed care sector. This collaboration is designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of care for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which is a significant segment due to its high cost and specialized care needs.
From an industry perspective, value-based care models are increasingly being adopted as they align incentives for healthcare providers to focus on health outcomes rather than service volume. This shift can potentially reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes, a critical consideration in the context of Medicare Advantage plans where government reimbursement and quality metrics are closely intertwined.
For investors and stakeholders, the expansion of this partnership could signal Humana's commitment to innovation in care delivery models, which may enhance its competitive position in the market. Moreover, as Medicare Advantage enrollment continues to rise, successful implementation of such models could improve Humana's attractiveness to potential members, thus impacting its market share and financial performance positively.
Chronic kidney disease affects a substantial portion of the population, with a trajectory towards increased prevalence. Advanced CKD and ESKD require intensive treatment modalities, including dialysis and transplantation, which are resource-intensive and can significantly impact patients' quality of life.
The interdisciplinary approach adopted by Strive Health, which encompasses medication management, care management, dialysis access planning, transplant coordination and social services, is evidence-based and aligns with best practices for managing complex chronic conditions. This holistic approach could lead to better health outcomes and potentially slow the progression of kidney disease, reducing the need for more expensive treatments like dialysis or transplants.
For the healthcare system and Medicare specifically, improved management of kidney disease can translate into substantial cost savings. Given that ESKD patients represent a disproportionate share of Medicare spending, the success of this value-based care model could have far-reaching implications for healthcare policy and reimbursement strategies.
The announcement of the expanded partnership between Humana and Strive Health could have implications for Humana's financial health. By focusing on a value-based care model, Humana may be able to better manage the costs associated with CKD and ESKD, which are traditionally high. If successful, this could lead to improved margins on their Medicare Advantage plans.
Furthermore, as value-based care models are linked to performance metrics, Humana's reimbursement rates from Medicare could be positively affected by demonstrating superior patient outcomes. This agreement could also be seen as a proactive measure in anticipation of potential policy changes favoring outcomes-based reimbursement models.
Investors should monitor the implementation of this agreement for signs of cost savings and improved patient outcomes, which could serve as indicators of Humana's operational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability. However, they should also be aware of the risks associated with implementing new care models, including the potential for unforeseen costs and the challenge of changing established provider behaviors.
03/05/2024 - 10:00 AM
LOUISVILLE, Ky. --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Leading health and well-being company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) and kidney care provider Strive Health have announced a new value-based care multi-state agreement for most Humana Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan members who live with kidney disease.
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Value-based care is a holistic, patient-centered healthcare model that focuses on a coordinated effort to help improve patient health outcomes and quality of life. With this agreement, members with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease in Indiana , Illinois , Kentucky , Michigan and northwest North Carolina now have access to Strive’s value-based kidney care. Strive’s interdisciplinary clinical care team serves as an extension of a member’s physician and provides whole-person care, including medication management and care management, dialysis access planning, transplant coordination and social services.
“Humana is committed to providing our members with evidence-based, multi-specialty kidney care,” said Jim Stodola, Humana Vice President of Trend Management. “An estimated 37 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease, and with that number continuing to grow, our priority is to continue to strengthen access to the highest levels of kidney care for our members.”
“Humana has a proven track record of providing innovative care delivery models,” said Will Stokes, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Strive Health. “Our expanded partnership will allow us to serve thousands of patients through a value-based approach to kidney care and further our mission to deliver compassionate kidney care through data-driven insights, high-touch care and prevention.”
The new value-based care agreement builds on an existing Humana and Strive relationship, which began in Indiana and Kentucky in 2020.
About Humana
Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com .
About Strive Health
Strive Health is the nation’s leader in value-based kidney care and partner of choice for innovative healthcare payors and providers. Using a unique combination of technology-enabled care interventions and seamless integration with local providers, Strive forms an integrated care delivery system that supports the entire patient journey from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). To help patients, Strive partners with commercial and Medicare Advantage payors, Medicare, health systems and physicians through flexible value-based payment arrangements, including risk-based programs. Strive serves over 100,000 people with CKD and ESKD across 34 states and partners with over 700 nephrology providers. Strive’s case management and population health programs are accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and its technology platform, CareMultiplier™, is certified by HITRUST. To learn more, visit StriveHealth.com .
Other providers are available in the Humana network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors.
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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240305671765/en/
Lisa Dimond
ldimond@humana.com
Nicole Leatherman
nleatherman@strivehealth.com
Source: Humana Inc.
What is the new agreement between Humana Inc. and Strive Health about?
The new agreement focuses on providing value-based kidney care services to Humana Medicare Advantage plan members living with kidney disease in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and northwest North Carolina.
What is value-based care?
Value-based care is a patient-centered healthcare model that aims to improve patient health outcomes and quality of life through coordinated care efforts.
What services are included in the value-based kidney care provided by Strive Health?
Strive Health's services include medication management, care management, dialysis access planning, transplant coordination, and social services.
How many Americans are estimated to live with chronic kidney disease?
An estimated 37 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease.
What is Humana's commitment regarding kidney care?
Humana is committed to providing evidence-based, multi-specialty kidney care to its members.
