Medicare Advantage members could save upwards of $2,000 a year on average by enrolling in the government programs they are eligible for.
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is working with Uno Health (Uno) to give its eligible Medicare Advantage members more support enrolling in several federal and state government programs. Uno helps Medicare Advantage members enroll in seven state and federal programs available to them in Pennsylvania (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program, Extra Help, PACE/NET, SNAP, Lifeline, and LIHEAP). Together, these programs can help members save thousands of dollars a year at the pharmacy, doctor’s office, and grocery store.
“We know that taking care of your health is about more than just seeing your doctor. It’s also about managing the cost of prescriptions, premiums, groceries, and other everyday expenses,” says Kortney Cruz, vice president of Medicare Sales and Marketing at Independence Blue Cross. “That’s why we are so proud to work with Uno Health to help educate our members and give them extra help accessing the financial support they’re eligible to receive.”
Uno’s platform helps to simplify the complex eligibility rules for state and federal programs so that members can understand them. They also have experts available to help members enroll in the programs. Uno helps members save time, maximize their savings, and learn how best to use their benefits. And when time comes to recertify, Uno is right by their side to ensure they stay enrolled and keep saving. Uno provides these services at no additional costs to members.
Uno can help people in all different types of situations. For example, if a Medicare Advantage member has late-stage cancer and is skipping lifesaving chemotherapy and prescriptions because they can’t afford to pay for them, and their family is unable to help cover the cost, Uno can work with that member to complete their applications across a range of government programs, including the PACE / PACENET Prescription assistance program in Pennsylvania, to minimize their monthly prescription costs and deliver significant annual savings.
“It was clear from our first conversation that the Independence Blue Cross team truly put members at the center of everything they do,” says Anna De Paula Hanika, co-founder and CEO of Uno Health. “We are thrilled to work with Independence to deliver significant copay reductions and savings to their Medicare Advantage members who need the support most. Enrollment into these programs gives members the ability to afford critical health care, directly impacting their health.”
Independence and Uno started working together in June 2021. To date, more than 700 Medicare Advantage members were enrolled by Uno in programs during the initial pilot. Uno expects that number to grow and for annual member savings to be around $1 million per year to date.
About Uno Health
Uno Health is a tech-enabled service that enrolls Medicare members through their insurance plans or physicians into many of the financial programs they’re eligible for, unlocking thousands of dollars into the pockets of most vulnerable Americans through programs including Medicaid, MSP, LIS, SNAP, Utility assistance, and Lifeline. The extra cash leads to improved health outcomes and savings for all, and a subset of programs unlock ~20% direct revenue for their Medicare insurers. Founders Anna de Paula Hanika and Chloe Phitoussi were inspired by first-hand experience in their previous roles at health care startups developing programs which aimed to improve people’s health outcomes while balancing the financial incentives of the insurance plan.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. For more than 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We deliver innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneer new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and support programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Media Contact:
Diana Quattrone
215-815-7828 (cell)
Diana.Quattrone@ibx.com
Independence Blue Cross offers Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Independence Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal.
Independence Blue Cross offers products through its subsidiaries Independence Hospital Indemnity Plan, Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company — independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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