Chronic disease communication lacking

Seventy percent of Medicare plan members responded that they have one or more chronic conditions, yet just 10 percent said their plan provides reminders and recommendations about their chronic condition. And, 44 percent of respondents noted that their plan never communicates with them about their chronic condition. The results are from a HealthMine survey of 500 Medicare plan members.

The responses in the HealthMine survey corroborate data from the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion which reported that three in four Americans aged 65 and older has multiple chronic conditions.

Chronic conditions* most frequently reported by respondents to the HealthMine survey are the following:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)- 65 percent
  • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)- 37 percent
  • Diabetes- 22 percent
  • Obesity- 22 percent
  • Asthma- 11 percent
  • Symptoms of depression-11 percent

According to Bryce Williams, president and CEO of HealthMine, "Our core team at HealthMine has helped Medicare recipients for more than a decade. In that time, we have learned that it is imperative to over deliver in communications to Medicare members. Today, health plans have the data to connect with meaningful, timely help and reminders to members – and learn member's communication preferences. We are helping plans leverage data to deliver reminders and recommendations to members and help close gaps in care in the process," he said.  

About the Survey
The HealthMine Medicare Plan Health Intelligence Survey queried 500 insured age 65 and older consumers who are enrolled in a Medicare program. The survey was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in June/July 2017. Data were collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error is 4 percent. Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the Worldwide Leader in Survey Sampling and Data Collection Solutions, across every mode, for 37 Years.

* Total adds to more than 100 percent as some respondents have multiple diseases


Topics: Clinical