Evernorth, a subsidiary of Cigna, is expanding its digital health formulary. This expansion includes apps to manage insomnia, anxiety, and substance abuse for alcohol and opioids. This is one example of how digital health is playing a larger role in the world of healthcare. Digital health combines technology and healthcare. It is an umbrella term that includes electronic records, telemedicine, mobile health apps and other tech-based interventions.
What is Formulary vs. Digital Formulary in healthcare?
Formulary is the list of prescription drugs covered by a health plan. Digital formulary includes tech-based items covered by a plan such as, mobile health apps, telemedicine, and wearable devices as just a few examples.
How will this affect patients?
Patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, anxiety and heart disease, have shown positive outcomes when using digital health resources. If healthcare plans cover these resources, patients are more likely to use them. This is similar to when insurance plans first started providing health fitness reimbursement benefits to encourage and support positive behavior.
Bottom Line
Healthcare companies are trying to offer more flexible and innovative options to help their members achieve a healthier lifestyle and slow the progression of the disease. Although there are some concerns about the effectiveness of digital health approaches, companies such as Evernorth, engage physicians, pharmacists as well as consumers to evaluate programs for optimal use.
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