Sun Life reports shows clinical intervention programs in group benefits improve health outcomes and help people return to work

Rhea-AI Summary

Sun Life U.S. reports positive outcomes from clinical intervention programs with health partners AbleTo and Goodpath, benefiting members on disability or critical illness benefits. AbleTo's behavioral health program reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, while Goodpath's program improved physical and mental health symptoms. These programs aim to enhance member health outcomes and productivity, aligning with Sun Life's strategy to provide comprehensive health services.

Healthcare Industry Analyst

The integration of clinical intervention programs like those from AbleTo and Goodpath into Sun Life U.S.'s disability and critical illness benefits is a strategic move that could redefine health insurance offerings. By incorporating virtual behavioral health services and whole-person care, Sun Life is not only addressing the immediate needs of its members but also potentially reducing long-term costs associated with prolonged disabilities and critical illnesses.

From an industry perspective, such initiatives could signal a shift towards more integrative and preventative care models within insurance plans. This could lead to increased competition among insurers to offer comprehensive wellness programs, ultimately benefiting consumers with more holistic coverage options. The reported improvements in health outcomes suggest a positive correlation between these programs and reduced claim durations, which can have a substantial impact on Sun Life's financials by decreasing the liabilities associated with long-term payouts.

Market Research Analyst

The success of Sun Life's clinical intervention programs could have broader implications for employer-sponsored insurance plans. Employers are increasingly seeking insurance partners that provide value-added services to improve employee health and productivity. As such, programs that demonstrate a clear return on investment through enhanced employee well-being and reduced absenteeism are likely to be attractive. This could position Sun Life favorably in the marketplace, potentially increasing its market share among corporate clients.

Furthermore, the emphasis on virtual services reflects a growing trend in the healthcare industry towards digital health solutions. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and is likely to persist, as it offers greater accessibility and convenience for patients. Sun Life's early adoption and reported success with these programs could give it a first-mover advantage in a rapidly evolving digital healthcare landscape.

Financial Analyst

Analyzing the financial implications of the reported clinical intervention programs, the reduction in depression, anxiety, stress and pain among participants is indicative of potential cost savings for Sun Life in the form of fewer claims and lower claim amounts. This could lead to improved profit margins and a stronger balance sheet. Additionally, the positive health outcomes and potential for increased productivity among members could translate into higher customer satisfaction and retention rates, both critical factors in the competitive insurance industry.

Investors should monitor Sun Life's future earnings reports for indications of how these programs are affecting the company's financial performance. Any evidence of cost savings or revenue growth linked to the programs could be a positive signal for Sun Life's stock performance. Conversely, investors should also be aware of the costs associated with implementing and scaling these programs and whether they align with the company's long-term strategic financial goals.

WELLESLEY, Mass., Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has released reports from two clinical intervention programs offered to eligible members receiving disability or critical illness benefits. The reports showed that members who used these programs experienced improved health outcomes. The reports highlight data and insights from each program with health partners AbleTo and Goodpath, which launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. These programs align with Sun Life's strategy to help people access the care and coverage they need by providing health services and programs that complement core health insurance.   

AbleTo provides virtual behavioral health services to covered members receiving disability or critical illness benefits due to a cancer diagnosis. Goodpath provides integrative virtual whole-person care and coaching to those on disability for musculoskeletal conditions of the neck or back or for long COVID-19 symptoms. Both programs provide Sun Life members with personal support to help them through their medical condition with the goal of improving health and returning to productivity sooner.

Results show that AbleTo's behavioral health program significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, while Goodpath's program resulted in meaningful reductions in pain and improvement of physical and mental health symptoms.

"With these partnerships, we are able to drive improved outcomes for our members, help them further address their health needs and, if possible, help them return to better health and work," said Sheila Sokolski, assistant vice president, Group Benefits Product and Marketing, Sun Life U.S.  "We're pleased to know that these programs will have positive outcomes for our employer clients as well, helping them retain valued employees and contributing to stronger health and productivity outcomes."

"The data has exceeded our expectations, so we're very excited to engage more members in these programs," said Sheila Weiss, R.N., assistant vice president, Group Claims and Clinical Services, Sun Life U.S. "As virtual services, the AbleTo and Goodpath programs meet people where they are, broadening access to care for more of our members, including those who otherwise may not be able to see a mental health specialist or receive health and wellness coaching. We continue to expand our focus on member health, strengthening our disability management practice."

AbleTo's behavioral health service is an eight-week program offered to eligible members receiving short-term disability or critical illness benefits due to cancer. Members engage in virtual sessions with a dedicated therapist and receive content to help them address mental health issues and cope with their diagnosis. Sun Life's own claim data, as well as industry research, shows that mental health issues are among the most prominent comorbid conditions for those dealing with a serious health diagnosis like cancer. Before treatment begins, each AbleTo participant attends an initial consultation to assess a care pathway based on their unique needs. Along with a therapist, participants are paired with a behavioral health coach and receive access to digital tools they can use between sessions to work toward their goals.

Goodpath provides virtual whole-person care and coaching for several chronic conditions through a single platform. Through Sun Life's partnership, Goodpath is offered to eligible members receiving short-term disability benefits for musculoskeletal issues of the neck and back (one of the most common health conditions associated with disability), or long-term disability for long COVID symptoms, a continuing health concern for workers and employers. Participants work one-on-one with a dedicated health coach, receive physical items shipped to their homes, and have access to virtual content and treatments. Each member begins with a health assessment that examines their unique symptoms, habits, lifestyle, and other underlying conditions, including mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

To learn more about Sun Life's results with the AbleTo and Goodpath programs, download the recent reports here.

About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.40 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contacts

Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates   
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

What are the key outcomes of Sun Life U.S.'s clinical intervention programs with AbleTo and Goodpath?

AbleTo's program reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, while Goodpath's program improved physical and mental health symptoms for members on disability or critical illness benefits.

What services does AbleTo provide to Sun Life members?

AbleTo offers virtual behavioral health services to covered members dealing with disability or critical illness benefits due to a cancer diagnosis.

What conditions does Goodpath address for Sun Life members?

Goodpath provides integrative virtual whole-person care and coaching for members on disability for musculoskeletal conditions of the neck or back, or for long COVID-19 symptoms.

How does Sun Life U.S. aim to improve health outcomes for its members?

Sun Life collaborates with AbleTo and Goodpath to provide personal support and virtual services to members, enhancing health outcomes and productivity.

Who leads the clinical intervention programs at Sun Life U.S.?

Sheila Sokolski, assistant vice president of Group Benefits Product and Marketing, and Sheila Weiss, assistant vice president of Group Claims and Clinical Services, oversee the programs.