In the United States today, there are more than 50 million people who are over the age of 65. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2019, these older adults had average annual out-of-pocket healthcare costs of $6.833, a 41% increase from 2009. These rising healthcare costs are happening at a time when the vast majority of older Americans wish to age in place at their homes. An AARP survey from last year found that 77% of adults aged 50 and over wish to stay in their homes long term, bringing the need for in-home healthcare into sharp relief.
The digital healthcare provider Connect America seeks to serve those aging in place with its Connect America Home platform and its suite of AI-enabled tools and services that go beyond traditional aging-in-place care. These digital-care features include 24/7 emergency response services, a 24/7 nurse line, and remote patient monitoring that analyzes vitals each day and sends biometric updates to electronic health records. Plus the platform has medication management using automatic medication dispensers and offering real-time audio and visual reminders for patients to take their medication.
Perhaps one of the most notable features of Connect America Home is its Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) support. In partnership with SDoH providers, the plan offers a range of social-support services such as meal delivery, companionship, and on-site care, all integrated with their digital tools that include an app and various smart devices. As noted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SDoH contributes to widespread health inequities and disparities. And so equitable and accessible digital care that addresses these factors — at a cost lower than conventional care — meets a pressing need.
Connect America CEO Janet Dillione says, “It is imperative that we pull every lever possible so that everyone — regardless of age, income, or ability — has the opportunity to age gracefully in place. Doing this not only benefits at-risk individuals, but also creates tremendous value for the healthcare system as a whole.”
The Connect America Home plan is currently available through payers — including PACE, Medicare Advantage, and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) — and providers including Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), physician groups, and hospitals and health systems. While the Connect America website offers no direct-to-consumer plan, one can easily see how that option might bring aging-in-place care to even more older adults in need.
