What's Happening?
Cigna Healthcare has partnered with ŌURA to integrate continuous biometric data into its preventive health and chronic disease management strategies. This collaboration aims to leverage ŌURA's wearable technology, specifically the Oura Ring, to provide
continuous monitoring of biometric data such as sleep, activity, and stress signals. The integration is expected to reduce per member per month (PMPM) costs, particularly for chronic and comorbid populations, by enabling earlier intervention and improving recovery outcomes. Cigna is also encouraging employers to use wellness funds to purchase the Oura Ring for employees at a discounted rate, promoting proactive health management.
Why It's Important?
This partnership signifies a shift towards more personalized and preventive healthcare solutions, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. By integrating wearable technology into healthcare plans, Cigna aims to enhance the management of chronic diseases and improve overall health metrics. Employers and employees stand to benefit from reduced healthcare costs and improved health outcomes, while Cigna could see increased engagement and satisfaction from its healthcare offerings. This move also reflects a broader trend in the healthcare industry towards leveraging technology for better health management.
What's Next?
Cigna plans to continue promoting the use of the Oura Ring among its clients, potentially expanding the program to include more wearable devices and biometric data integration. The success of this initiative could lead to further collaborations between healthcare providers and technology companies, driving innovation in preventive health strategies. Stakeholders, including employers and healthcare professionals, may closely monitor the outcomes of this partnership to assess its impact on healthcare costs and patient health.
