Sun Life taps Hinge Health as preferred digital musculoskeletal solution for members

Rhea-AI Summary

Sun Life has selected Hinge Health as its preferred digital musculoskeletal (MSK) solution for members, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and contain costs. This partnership addresses the rising trend of MSK-related healthcare costs, which ranked as the fifth highest cost claims between 2020-2023 according to Sun Life's report. Hinge Health will provide personalized programs with access to physical therapists, health coaches, and orthopedic surgeons, utilizing technology and expert clinicians to help members manage pain and reduce dependence on medication.

Additionally, Sun Life has launched Health 360, a new mobile and web-based app designed to connect members directly with health capabilities, including Hinge Health services, Health Navigator Care Advisors, and various health and well-being tools.

Positive

• Partnership with Hinge Health to address rising MSK-related healthcare costs
• Potential reduction in high-cost claims related to MSK conditions
• Launch of Health 360 app to improve member engagement with health resources
• Expansion of health services offering for small-to-mid-sized stop loss clients

Negative

• MSK conditions ranked as fifth highest cost claims between 2020-2023, indicating a significant expense for the company

Insights

Financial Analyst

The partnership between Sun Life and Hinge Health is a strategic move likely to impact both companies positively. For Sun Life, this collaboration aims to control healthcare costs, particularly those related to musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which constitute a significant portion of their high-cost claims. By offering digital MSK solutions, Sun Life can potentially reduce the financial burden associated with these conditions. Furthermore, small-to-mid-sized stop loss clients who use other Sun Life solutions will find the added value of comprehensive MSK care appealing, potentially driving customer retention and acquisition. For Hinge Health, gaining direct access to Sun Life's member base provides a substantial market expansion opportunity. This partnership could increase Hinge Health's revenue streams and market recognition, establishing them further as a leader in digital MSK care.

Medical Research Analyst

This partnership is notable for its potential to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals with MSK conditions. The inclusion of advanced technologies like the FDA-cleared Enso device, which uses electrical impulses to reduce pain, brings cutting-edge treatment options to a broader audience. The combination of digital and in-person physical therapy provides a comprehensive approach that can adapt to individual needs. Early intervention resources and personalized care plans are likely to result in better patient outcomes, reducing the need for more invasive treatments like surgery. This blend of technology and expert clinical guidance represents a significant advancement in managing MSK conditions, which could set a new standard in the industry.

Market Research Analyst

The introduction of Sun Life's Health 360 app, which integrates with Hinge Health, represents a shift towards more engaged and technology-driven healthcare solutions. The app not only facilitates direct connection with MSK care but also includes features for mental health, fitness tracking and wellness content. This holistic approach can drive higher member engagement and satisfaction, which are critical metrics for success in the competitive health insurance market. By offering a one-stop solution for various health needs, Sun Life can differentiate itself from competitors, potentially leading to increased market share and customer loyalty. Moreover, this move responds to the growing demand for digital health solutions, aligning with broader industry trends towards telehealth and digital care.

Company's new Health 360 app engages members with health resources

WELLESLEY, Mass., July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With a focus on improving healthcare outcomes while containing costs for clients and members, Sun Life has selected Hinge Health to provide digital intervention to members who are facing musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. According to Sun Life's latest High-Cost Claims and Injectable report, MSK conditions ranked as the fifth highest cost claims between 2020 – 2023.  

"Employers, especially those that self-fund their health plans, are rightfully concerned with the upward trend of healthcare costs related to MSK conditions," said Jen Collier, president, Health and Risk Solutions, Sun Life U.S. "Sun Life's own claims data mirrors the national trend, so partnering with Hinge Health, one of the most clinically validated MSK companies in the marketplace, makes sense. Through this new relationship, our members will be able to receive proven MSK treatments and an omnichannel engagement approach to positively impact both first dollar and high-dollar medical spend."

Hinge Health will provide access to a team of physical therapists, board-certified health coaches, and orthopedic surgeons who provide convenient, personalized programs based on individual needs, goals, and abilities. Hinge Health utilizes technology and expert clinicians to help members move beyond pain, avoid unnecessary procedures and reduce dependence on medication. Additionally, members who meet certain criteria will have access to early intervention resources, such as surgery decision support and specialized technology like the Enso, an FDA-cleared wearable device that delivers electrical impulses to reduce MSK pain. In-person physical therapy appointments will be available in specific metro areas.

"With this partnership, we are proud to provide Sun Life members with simple, comprehensive, and personalized digital MSK care," said Aaryn Pure, chief commercial officer at Hinge Health. "Through advanced motion tracking technology, our FDA-cleared Enso device for pain relief, and our pioneering Women's Pelvic Health Program, this collaboration will enable employers to significantly reduce healthcare costs while improving the quality of and access to care for individuals with MSK conditions."

Hinge Health is available to small-to-mid-sized stop loss clients who utilize other Sun Life solutions such as Health Navigator powered by PinnacleCare, an advocacy and care navigation tool that provides high-touch, one-on-one guidance, and support to members for a range of concerns spanning from preventive care to complicated medical conditions.

New app connects members directly with care

Health 360, Sun Life's new mobile and web-based app, is designed to connect members directly with health capabilities that will help drive more engagement and better outcomes. Through the app, members can connect directly to Hinge Health as well as to Health Navigator Care Advisors. Members will also be able to utilize interactive mental health tools, healthy habit tracking, fitness challenges, and a robust library of health and well-being content to help them through their health journeys.

Members will also be able to connect to Hinge Health through a dedicated landing page.

About Hinge Health

Hinge Health is moving people beyond pain by transforming the way it is treated and prevented. We connect people, digitally and in-person, with expert clinical care. Using advanced technology and AI, a team of clinical experts guides people through personalized care directly from their phone. It is proven to reduce pain by 68%, prevent 42% of new opioid prescriptions, and avoid more than half of joint replacement surgeries. Available to 18M people, Hinge Health is trusted by leading health plans and employers, including Land O'Lakes, L.L. Bean, Salesforce, Self-Insured Schools of California, Southern Company, US Foods, and Verizon.

Learn more about how we are inspiring people to improve their health through the power of movement www.hingehealth.com.

About Sun Life U.S.

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.47 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media Contacts:
Anjie Coplin
Sun Life U.S.
Anjie.Coplin@sunlife.com 

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates  
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial  

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.

FAQ

What is Sun Life's new partnership with Hinge Health for?

Sun Life has partnered with Hinge Health to provide digital musculoskeletal (MSK) solutions for its members, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and contain costs related to MSK conditions.

How does Hinge Health help Sun Life (SLF) members with MSK conditions?

Hinge Health provides Sun Life members access to personalized programs with physical therapists, health coaches, and orthopedic surgeons, using technology and expert clinicians to help manage pain, avoid unnecessary procedures, and reduce medication dependence.

What is Sun Life's Health 360 app and what does it offer?

Health 360 is Sun Life's new mobile and web-based app that connects members with health capabilities, including Hinge Health services, Health Navigator Care Advisors, mental health tools, fitness challenges, and health content to improve engagement and outcomes.

How did MSK conditions rank in Sun Life's High-Cost Claims report from 2020-2023?

According to Sun Life's High-Cost Claims and Injectable report, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions ranked as the fifth highest cost claims between 2020 and 2023.