Anthem BCBS, Propeller Health Announce New Collaboration

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio has announced a new collaboration with Propeller Health to help improve health outcomes for Ohio consumers enrolled in Anthem’s Medicare Advantage health plans who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"There’s currently no cure for COPD, but much can be done to help consumers treat the disease,” Linda Hotchkiss, MD, managing medical director at Anthem’s Medicare Advantage Central Region, said in a press release. “This collaboration between Anthem and Propeller gives individuals access to connected care technology that will help them more easily manage their COPD, in order to help them have a better quality of life. Anthem will continue to focus on improving consumers’ healthcare experience by increasing access to high-quality, meaningful solutions.”

Propeller Health, a digital therapeutics company dedicated to the development and commercialization of measurably better medicines, has digital medicines for COPD and asthma management consists of small sensors that easily attach to consumers’ existing inhalers. The sensors are then paired with a mobile app that tracks medication use.

For the collaboration, Anthem’s care management team will use Propeller’s online provider portal to help understand consumers’ progress in managing their COPD, providing more targeted, personalized care and treatment.

“We’re excited to partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio to bring the benefits of digital medicine to Anthem’s consumers who suffer from COPD,” David Van Sickle, Propeller Co-Founder and CEO, said in a statement. “The insights and feedback from our platform help people suffering from COPD control their symptoms and strengthen the relationship with their care providers.”

Anthem’s care management teams expect to begin working with providers and eligible consumers to begin enrollment this summer. In order for consumers to be eligible for the new program, they must have a history of at least one emergency room visit or hospitalization cause by COPD.

—Julie Gould

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