Innovative New Service Promotes Medication Adherence and
Enables BCBSAZ Members to Save on Copays
NEWS PROVIDED BY Sempre Health Aug
12, 2019, 09:00 ET
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/
-- Sempre Health, the
leading solution for behavior-based healthcare pricing, has announced a
partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) that
features a new way for BCBSAZ members to save on medications. Starting this
month, many BCBSAZ members will begin receiving invitations to enroll in a new
program that reminds them when it's time to refill their prescriptions.
Refilling on time allows them to earn discounts on their copay. The program
will initially cover 13 medications prescribed for: cardiovascular disease
(e.g., heart failure medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets),
respiratory problems (e.g., inhalers for asthma and COPD), and diabetes
(insulin).
The program is focused on addressing two of the biggest
challenges in healthcare: cost and medication adherence. Medication costs can
be a barrier to patients taking their medication as directed by their doctor
and pharmacist. The World Health Organization has estimated that 50 percent of
all patients do not take their medications, while one in four Americans say it
is difficult to afford them.1, 2 As a result, it is estimated
that non-adherence to medication leads to $100-$290 billion in direct
and indirect cost annually.3
"At BCBSAZ, we look for opportunities to make
healthcare simpler and more affordable," said Chris Hogan, chief
pharmacy officer at BCBSAZ. "The Sempre program is easy to follow, lowers
cost share, and encourages behavior that leads to better health outcomes."
"As consumers and patients, we can do things every day
that save the health system money – but they don't always save us money as
individuals," said Anurati Mathur, founder and CEO of Sempre Health.
"Every time we take our medication as prescribed, or go to the doctor for
a physical, or get a mammogram or colonoscopy – we're being responsible
patients. Sempre is partnering with BCBSAZ and other leading health plans to
create a world in which our behavior can directly affect what we pay for our
healthcare. It's like a "good driver discount" for healthcare that
saves us money as individuals. With Sempre, the more we do the right things for
ourselves and our health, the less we pay over time."
BCBSAZ will be introducing this program to its eligible
members this week. As soon as members enroll, their discounts will be
immediately available at the pharmacy where they usually fill a prescription
for one of the eligible medications. If members refill elsewhere, they can show
their pharmacist a text from Sempre to take advantage of the program discounts.
From then on, each time members refill their prescription on time, their
discounts can grow.
To find out more about this unique program visit www.semprehealth.com.
About Sempre Health
Sempre Health designs point-of-sale dynamic discounts and SMS-based engagement to incentivize healthy behaviors. Today, we work with health plans and pharma manufacturers to fundamentally change medication affordability and access across the US. For more information visit: www.semprehealth.com
Sempre Health designs point-of-sale dynamic discounts and SMS-based engagement to incentivize healthy behaviors. Today, we work with health plans and pharma manufacturers to fundamentally change medication affordability and access across the US. For more information visit: www.semprehealth.com
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.5 million customers. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company employs 1,800 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is inspiring health. To learn more, visit azblue.com.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.5 million customers. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company employs 1,800 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is inspiring health. To learn more, visit azblue.com.
Media Contacts:
Sempre Health
press@semprehealth.com
Sempre Health
press@semprehealth.com
BCBSAZ
Renee Hunt
renee.hunt@azblue.com
Renee Hunt
renee.hunt@azblue.com
1 World Health Organization:
Adherence to Long-term Therapies: evidence for Action
(https://www.who.int/chp/knowledge/publications/adherence_report/en/)
(https://www.who.int/chp/knowledge/publications/adherence_report/en/)
2 Henry J Kaiser Family
Foundation: Data Note: Americans' Challenges with Health Care Costs(https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/data-note-americans-challenges-health-care-costs/)
3 NEJM: Taking Our Medicine —
Improving Adherence in the Accountability Era(https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMp1307084)
SOURCE Sempre Health
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