Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Sempre Health partner to influence prescription drug behavior
Medication adherence and refilling on time reward members through copay discounts.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Sempre Health, a company focused on behavior-based healthcare pricing, have partnered on a program that allows members to save money on their prescription drug copays if they refill their prescriptions on time.
This week, BCBSAZ will invite eligible members to enroll. Once they do, text message reminders will be sent when the refills are due. The discount will be applied at the pharmacy where the prescription is usually filled. If members refill elsewhere, they can show their pharmacist a text from Sempre to take advantage of the program discounts.
Each time members refill their prescription on time, their discounts grow.
The program will initially cover 13 medications for: cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure medications, anticoagulants and antiplatelets; respiratory problems such as inhalers for asthma and COPD; and insulin to treat diabetes.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The program is focused on addressing two challenges in healthcare: drug costs and medication adherence. Cost can be a barrier to patients taking their medications.
THE LARGER TREND
The World Health Organization estimates that 50 percent of all patients do not take their medications, while one in four Americans say it is difficult to afford them.
As a result, it is estimated that non-adherence to medication leads to $100-$290 billion in direct and indirect costs annually, according to a released statement from Sempre Health.
ON THE RECORD
"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," said Anurati Mathur, founder and CEO of Sempre Health.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
