Independence Blue Cross and Benefits Data Trust Partner to Increase Participation in Public Benefits Programs

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Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia announced that it is collaborating with Benefits Data Trust to help commercially insured members enroll in public benefits programs.¹ According to a press release from Independence, this partnership is the first of its kind. This move is part of a larger trend in the healthcare industry to help provide patients with more options to eleviate the high costs of healthcare.

This specific program is designed to help members access public benefit programs that they may be eligible for but are likely unaware of.

In a press release, Independence Blue Cross’ executive director of health equity Dr. Seun Ross said, “Finding out whether you're eligible for a government program and then trying to figure out how to enroll in it can be complicated and time-consuming. That's why our collaboration with Benefits Data Trust is so critically important. It helps us connect our members with personal navigation to access essential resources that can improve their holistic well-being. We are committed to addressing the root causes of health inequities and creating healthier outcomes for every person in every community we serve. Working with Benefits Data Trust to address our members' health-related social needs in this way helps us do just that."

In the same press release, Benefits Data Trust CEO Trooper Sanders also said, “Public assistance programs help people afford the basic needs that contribute in very real ways to their health and well-being. Ensuring all available safety net dollars help families pay for food, medication, and housing is a powerful lever to address persistent structural inequities that affect people struggling to make ends meet and people of color the most. We are proud to collaborate with a leader in health equity like Independence Blue Cross to connect the dots between public assistance programs and better health outcomes for Pennsylvanians."

In February of this year, Independence Blue Cross announced that it had signed on to the White House’s AI commitments for usage in healthcare.² Independence was one of 36 insurers and healthcare providers to work with the White House on the commitments.

In a press release issued at the time, Independence Blue Cross’ executive vice president and chief strategy, development, and information officer Mike Vennera said, “Independence Blue Cross continues to lead the way in healthcare innovation. We are dedicated to advocating for advancements that improve care delivery, user experience, and affordability. We're proud to have a seat at the table, among other policy experts and national thought leaders. Together, we will procure, develop, and leverage large-scale machine learning models that can perform a variety of tasks. What's more, we are committed to pursuing these once in a generation innovations and benefits while mitigating risks and protecting patient information."

The agreement consisted of five main principles that healthcare insurers and providers should follow. The first is to commit to using AI to increase equity, expand access, make healthcare more affordable, improve outcomes, improve the patient experience, and reduce clinician burnout. The second is to ensure that outcomes are aligned with FAVES AI principles. Third is to inform users when AI content is not being created or monitored by a human. The fourth is to provide risk management by tracking programs powered by AI.

Lastly, the group committed to research and develop swiftly, but safely.

Sources

1. Independence Blue Cross and Benefits Data Trust Form First of its Kind Collaboration in Philadelphia Region. Independence Blue Cross. June 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independence-blue-cross-and-benefits-data-trust-form-first-of-its-kind-collaboration-in-philadelphia-region-302165515.html
2. Independence Blue Cross Signs on to White House Healthcare AI Commitments. Independence Blue Cross. February 28, 2024. Accessed June 6, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independence-blue-cross-signs-on-to-white-house-healthcare-ai-commitments-302074421.html