Highmark to offer Sharecare digital health solution to members

Highmark, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, is collaborating with a digital health company to offer wellness solutions to employer customer groups in three eastern states.

The Pittsburgh-based insurer—the fourth largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated plan in the country—has entered into a six-year partnership with Sharecare, which will offer a digital platform to employer group customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, Highmark members will have access to Sharecare’s personalized mobile and web-based platform that will help them better manage and understand their health, and provide timely and actionable steps for members.

“Consumers are more active in their own healthcare, but they are challenged with credible real-time information to help with health care decisions,” says Charles DeShazer, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Highmark. Sharecare aims to provide personalized articles, videos and health content from trusted sources like the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control.

Sharecare’s real-time data and personalized messages are also beneficial to employers, who are looking for ways to keep employees engaged, healthy and productive, says Matthew Rhenish, president of national and specialty markets for Highmark. “Through a personalized mobile experience, employers will be able to reach and engage their entire workforce, motivate employees to make positive health changes, and measure the results.”

Participating members take a scientifically validated health risk assessment from Sharecare, and based on the results, they receive personalized information, actionable plans and programs, and multimedia content from leading health experts and organizations. Areas of focus include sleep, stress and steps, diet, blood pressure and medications.