Independence Blue Cross and Strive Health Launch New Kidney Disease Care Management Program

Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and Strive Health, the national leader in value-based kidney care, today announced the launch of a new program that will bring specialized care delivery and coordination to Independence Medicare Advantage members living with chronic kidney disease (stages 4 and 5) and end stage renal disease. The goal of the program, which will launch on January 1, 2021, is to slow disease progression and improve quality of life for these members by assisting with disease and care management and reducing unnecessary hospital stays.

Members in the program receive care from Strive Health's local team of nurse practitioners, registered nurse care managers, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and care coordinators. The care includes disease management, wound care, medication management, acute care management, and more. To help ensure this care is effective, the Strive Health team coordinates with the member's primary care physician, nephrologist, and any other specialists the member may be seeing.

"At Independence we are always looking for new, innovative approaches to improve our members wellbeing," said Dr. Heidi Syropoulos, medical director for Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross. "This is especially important for our Medicare Advantage members who are living with chronic health conditions. That is why we are so proud to be working with Strive Health, an organization that we believe will deliver the preventive, personalized health care our members with chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease need and deserve."

Supported by proprietary AI and machine learning technology, the new program offers Independence members the following:

• Direct and virtual clinical services
• Home dialysis education and training
• Advanced care planning
• Help with social determinants of health, such as food and housing

"Kidney disease is a chronic condition that requires a fresh, holistic approach to treatment," said Chris Riopelle, Chief Executive Officer of Strive Health. "We are excited to be working with Independence Blue Cross to deliver comprehensive and compassionate kidney care. Together, we are hoping to drive better outcomes, more access to care, and lower costs."

Strive Health is currently providing virtual services but will resume in-person visits under appropriate COVID-19 guidelines.

About Strive Health

Strive Health is the national leader in value-based kidney care and partner of choice for innovative healthcare payors and providers. Strive's model uses a unique combination of high-touch care teams, predictive analytics, advanced technology, seamless integration with local providers, and next-generation dialysis services to form an integrated care delivery system that supports the entire patient journey from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Strive partners with commercial and Medicare Advantage payors, Medicare, health systems, and physicians through flexible value-based payment arrangements, including risk-based programs. Backed by New Enterprise Associates, Town Hall Ventures, Echo Health Ventures, and Ascension Ventures, Strive delivers compassionate kidney care the way it should be done. For more information, visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or at www.strivehealth.com. Or email [email protected].

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve 8 million people nationwide. For more than 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We deliver innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneer new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and support programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/ibx and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.