Humana, Microsoft to Partner on Healthcare Solutions

The announcement marks another development for Microsoft's healthcare ambitions.

Humana Inc. and Microsoft announced a seven-year partnership to deliver improved health outcomes and digital solutions for personalized care, according to a press release Monday morning.

Microsoft will provide Humana with its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to improve care options for the Louisville-based insurer's members. The use of digital tools is also expected to reduce barriers to care and promote data interoperability, the companies said in a joint statement.

Additionally, Microsoft will serve as Humana's preferred cloud provider.

The move is yet another step taken by the Redmond, Washington-based technology company to enter the healthcare market, taking place about 10 months after the announcement of a strategic partnership with Walgreens Boots Alliance.

"With an estimated 10,000 people joining the Medicare system daily, we have a tremendous opportunity to address the growing demands on the health care system by improving health outcomes and lowering costs," Greg Moore, M.D., Ph.D., corporate vice president of Health Technology and Alliances at Microsoft, said in a statement.

William Shrank, M.D., chief medical and corporate affairs officer at Humana, said that the insurer is eager to utilize Microsoft's tools as a way to move beyond collection of data and assist clinical efforts to improve patient care.

As part of the deal, Humana and Microsoft will also fund a multiyear research and development project aimed at advancing value-based care models.

The Microsoft partnership is in line with Humana's embrace of digital health solutions, with CEO Bruce Broussard telling CNBC last month that the company is looking to integrate services that will simplify the experience for its members.

"We have a lot of technology partnerships throughout the country, but it's really [about] how do we do that together for our members in a holistic orientation," Broussard said.

Jack O'Brien is the Content Team Lead and Finance Editor at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.

Photo credit: May 3, 2018 Sunnyvale / CA / USA - Microsoft logo at the company's office building located in Silicon Valley, south San Francisco bay area - Image