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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network Expand Muscle and Joint Health Solutions with New, Virtual Program in 2025
Brianna Neace
| 3 min read
DETROIT, July 9, 2024 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will add a new, virtual program to its suite of musculoskeletal solutions as a coverage option in 2025. The program offers members personalized plans to help meet their physical needs, goals and abilities, as well as dedicated support and convenient exercise therapy sessions.
In addition to extensive clinical guidance and advice from leading musculoskeletal specialists, eligible Blue Cross members will now also have access to Hinge Health, a digital clinic that offers personalized care for joint and muscle pain, including virtual exercise therapy sessions and dedicated support from licensed physical therapists and board-certified health coaches.
Eligible members can complete a short intake questionnaire about their condition history and, once approved, are able to get moving in the Hinge Health app within minutes. The app guides members through a few movements to learn more about their pain, and a dedicated care team, which includes a physical therapist and a health coach, will develop a personalized care plan. Qualified members may also receive one-on-one coaching, an exercise kit and an FDA-cleared wearable device called Enso for additional pain relief without the need for drugs or surgery. Care plans include exercise therapy, educational content and behavioral guidance. Moreover, physicians are available for clinical escalations including for surgery decision support.
“Blue Cross is dedicated to addressing all the factors that affect our members’ health and wellness, which means taking into account their social and environmental conditions and behavioral factors as well,” said Tom Meier, vice president of Product Development and Market Solutions for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Chronic musculoskeletal pain, mental health and access to care are deeply interrelated, so this solution provides our members with a comprehensive health resource that supports their overall health in a really effective way.”
Health care costs associated with musculoskeletal conditions are among the highest drivers of medical spend at an estimated $600 billion in the U.S. alone each year and affect millions of people every day. Some of the most common musculoskeletal conditions include arthritis, fibromyalgia and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, among others.
The program will be available to employer groups starting January 1, 2025. To learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s virtual musculoskeletal program through Hinge Health, visit the virtual joint health page.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 85 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
