Only The Lonely
Social isolation is associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia according to the CDC. More companies are trying to address loneliness and insurance is showing some willingness to support.
Virtual Reality - A senior-focused virtual reality company is now covered by insurance for the first time. My parents said they barely know how to turn the TV on so the idea of operating a headset seems “a bit above our paygrade,” but there is some evidence that these systems can work. A senior-focused virtual reality content company is now covered by insurance for the first time through Medicare Advantage plan AgeWell New York. The VR devices from MyndVR now covered for the first time through Medicare Advantage insurance plan AgeWell in New York. They are designed to aid older adults with feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression, and promote memory stimulation and socialization. Seniors can use the VR headsets to experience travel and entertainment as well as share real-time experiences with relatives.
Peer Match - Humana launched a program with Wisdo Health targeting loneliness concerns of seniors with chronic health concerns. This one-year pilot program involving 1,400 senior Medicare Advantage members were matched with a trained peer using artificial intelligence. Seniors got weekly coaching sessions and direction to social resources. The program proved to reduce isolation and loneliness and cut down on ER and urgent care visits, as well as save $1,000 a year in medical costs.
Telehealth - Superior HealthPlan, a Texas subsidiary of Centene, is expanding their partnership with eFamilyCare, the New York-based telehealth company that offers an app in which caregivers can connect with care advisers through chat or video. The online family caregiving service is designed to reduce burden for its members through coaching, helping caregivers find services, and collaborating with providers. Originally rolled out in 2022 for certain Superior members, the services are now available to their broader STAR Health Medicaid program.
College Kids - An app called “Papa” connects college students to older adults to provide senior companionship and general assistance in the home, and studies have shown as a notable decrease in emergency department utilization and hospital readmissions. Founded in 2017, Papa currently works with 100 health plans and employers also assists with transportation and similar task-oriented help. One of the studies looking at Papa members found that 60% of severely lonely individuals who used the service through their health plan saw notable improvement.