Humana, DUOS partner on digital care for veterans
It's available to people with Humana Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana who are veterans and have a chronic condition.
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Insurer Humana and DUOS, a technology-enabled service provider, are kick-starting a collaborative digital program aimed at improving health outcomes for U.S. military veterans living in Louisiana with chronic conditions.
The new program connects veterans with chronic conditions to DUOS, where participating members will complete an assessment of health-related needs and goals. The participants are then matched with benefits and resources available through their Medicare Advantage plan and/or veterans' benefits.
It's available to people with Humana Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana who are veterans and have a chronic condition. The program launched this month and will run until the end of the year.
"When healthcare professionals and systems are responsive to their patients' cultural backgrounds – which includes veteran status – patients are more likely to receive appropriate care, show up to appointments, follow through with treatment plans, and be more transparent in disclosing their health-related needs," said Stephanie Muckey, leader of Humana's Veteran Health Equity and Social Impact strategy.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
Humana currently administers health benefits for nearly 6 million active-duty military and retirees nationwide – and they may experience unique physical and mental health challenges, the insurer said.
DUOS centers its offerings around connecting older adults to tailored services that address their unique aging needs. Humana partner USAA Life Insurance Company provided training to DUOS personal assistants ahead of the program's launch to ensure a comprehensive understanding of military and veteran culture.
Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, San Antonio-based USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking, and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million veterans.
USAA said the Humana/DUOS partnership "underlines our ongoing efforts to bring together different facets of care and support to positively impact" veterans' lives.
THE LARGER TREND
Humana targeted seniors in 2022 when it, along with USAA, rolled out a new Medicare Advantage plan that aimed to complement the healthcare benefits received through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Humana USAA Honor with Rx plan, available to anyone eligible for Medicare, was offered in eight states last year and provides flexibility for veterans to see in-network local doctors and fill prescriptions at pharmacies close to home, outside the VA system. It's the only Medicare Advantage plan developed in partnership with USAA.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
