The partnership with Happify Health reflects stakeholders' continued expansion of telehealth applications while embedding digital therapeutics (DTx) into more treatment approaches.
Anthem has partnered with Happify Health to offer digital-first support for expectant mothers. Availability for the service, Happify Health Pregnancy Sequence, is planned for eligible members in select affiliated plans and markets before the end of 2022.
The following are highlights from the planned services from Anthem, which will re-brand as Elevance Health on June 28.
- The new platform will reflect a Sequences approach.
A press release for the partnership notes that the Happify Health platform "is anchored in Sequences … digital experiences configured to support specific medical conditions [that] … weave together, in one unified platform." These experiences include online support from other women, coaching, and resources. Services and recommendations are localized and personalized for users.
- Expert access augments peer support.
In addition to peers, Happify Health Pregnancy Sequence will be able to connect online with mental health, OB/GYN, nutrition, and other experts.
- DTx is embedded.
The platform will include digital therapeutics to support non-prescription, mental health needs during pregnancy. DTx is a unique component of Happify Health's platform, which the company states "integrates AI with empathy, making healing more personal, precise, and connected for the entire care journey" as part of a "full spectrum of clinical-grade care solutions … for pharma, health plans, enterprises, and individuals."
- An open-design platform.
Happify Health notes that its platform was created to "integrate with existing systems and point solutions" for a better user experience that also aids health plan technology strategy.
- An Anthem leader's personal connection.
"As a mother to three, I felt what all moms feel — that pregnancy is a roller coaster ride, from preconception to postpartum care," said Bryony Winn, president of Health Solutions at Anthem. "Our partnership with Happify is about improving every aspect of the pregnancy experience — whether it pertains to physical or behavioral health — and meeting all the various needs of moms."
- Part of Anthem's whole health approach to women.
The Happify Health Pregnancy is the planned first deployment for an Anthem strategy designed to span women's physical and mental health — from motherhood to menopause, and the personal and to the professional.
Ofer Leidner, president of Happify Health, states: "We are thrilled to partner with Anthem and continue to support women's health journeys and ultimately create better health outcomes."
- A response to research on women and depression.
Anthem's decision to partner with Happify Health was rooted in women's health research, including data from the National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief that show women are more likely to suffer from depression (10.4%, compared to 5.5% of men) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the prevalence of postpartum depression (nearly 13% of women).
Laura Beerman is a freelance writer for HealthLeaders.