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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts adds Learn to Live

The web and mobile delivery technology provides self-directed information to help individuals with stress, depression, social anxiety, and insomnia.

Susan Morse, Executive Editor

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced this week they have added Minneapolis-based Learn to Live – a digital delivery of evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy tools –  to provide online support for members struggling with concerns such as depression, insomnia, stress and anxiety.

BCBSMA employer clients with 500 or more members will have the option to engage Learn to Live's interactive programs that help with emotional health issues in a confidential digital experienced. The programs provide access and affordable concepts and tools which are based on the proven fundamentals of cognitive behavioral therapy, the insurer said.

The consumer-centered technology is available through both web and mobile delivery. Their programs are self-directed, providing self-help information and skill-building lessons designed to help individuals with stress, depression, social anxiety, and insomnia.

The company designs solutions that reduce stigma, alleviate access barriers and limit financial concerns for those seeking help.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Behavioral health disorders are the most expensive illness per U.S. data on health spending, higher than heart disease and cancer, according to Learn to Live CEO and co-founder Dale Cook. The large untreated population of people suffering from these issues face barriers to treatment – including stigma, lack of access to behavioral health professionals, financial constraints and lack of geographic access – which are addressed in Learn to Live's online platform.

THE LARGER TREND

BCBSMA now joins other leading health insurers, large employers such as General Mills, Land O'Lakes, and The Toro Company, and higher education institutions that offer Learn to Live's emotional health programs to their members, employees and students. Learn to Live's services are now available to more than 3.5 million members across the United States.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has announced the launch of its own high performance network called Blue HPN, which will be available in 55 major markets nationwide starting in January 2021.

ON THE RECORD

"We know many of our members struggle to manage daily stresses and challenges in their lives and that our employer customers are looking for new solutions to help their employees," said BCBSMA Behavioral Health Medical Director Dr. Ken Duckworth.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com

 

Focus on Patient Experience

This month, our coverage will continue a special focus on the patient experience. We'll talk to the thought leaders and first-movers reimagining the how and where of patient-friendly tech, and report on ways to activate, if not delight, the people they treat.