Humana set out three years ago to improve the health of its population - many being seniors on its Medicare Advantage plans - by addressing the social determinants of health such as food insecurity, loneliness and social isolation.
In a progress report on what Humana set as its bold goal, the insurer said four of seven communities showed improved healthy days as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the results released this month.
The Knoxville, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and San Antonio communities all demonstrated improved healthy days, due, in part to physician, patient and local collaboration to address physical and mental health conditions as well as social determinants of health.
Also, Humana employees accumulated 1.8 million more healthy days over the last five years, achieving an 18 percent overall improvement.
Research has shown that each unhealthy day adds $15.64 per person per month in medical costs, Humana said.
One in eight Americans is food insecure and seniors who are food insecure have 50 percent higher prevalence of diabetes and three times higher rates of depression, Humana said.
Humana's bold goal is to make the populations it serves 20 percent healthier by 2020 and to make it easier for members to achieve their best health.
In 2017, Humana said it turned its focus to individual population reporting within their communities, which provides the company with a more in-depth look at trends and the needs of senior, working-age and lower-income adults as well as those struggling with conditions such as diabetes and depression.
Humana is working against a trend that shows 21 states saw declines in social, emotional and psychological health, according to a Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index cited by the company.
"As the nation's senior population grows, they'll play a larger and more vital role in all of our communities," said Humana CEO and President Bruce D. Broussard. "Seniors face unique challenges, including living with multiple chronic conditions and social determinants that can lead to poor health. Learning to solve these issues will help all of us. By slowing chronic disease progression through a holistic approach to personalized care, we can help physicians and other care professionals provide care that helps seniors prosper -- physically and mentally."
As a major player in the Medicare Advantage market, Humana was boosted by the announcement this week from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that it was bumping up its proposed MA payment rate from 1.8 to 3.4 percent.
Humana's stock has risen in recent days after the news broke that Walmart is reportedly interested in acquiring the insurer. Humana is also part of a blockchain pilot with UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Quest Diagnostics and MultiPlan.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com