Analysis of over 2,300 members shows improved
healthcare utilization and adds to a growing body of research
validating Papa's impact across populations
MIAMI, May 22, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Papa, an end-to-end human care network supporting
social needs, today announced findings from a claims analysis by a
leading actuarial firm showing the impact of companion care. The
study, which evaluated changes in healthcare costs and utilization
for select Medicare Advantage members pre- and post-enrollment in
Papa, found significant cost reductions and a decrease in
utilization of higher-acuity, higher-cost care among members who
engaged in the program.
Findings from the analysis showed that members with one or
more Papa visits experience a 9% reduction in medical costs,
driven by favorable changes in healthcare utilization,
including:
- 18% reduction in inpatient hospital admissions
- 22% reduction in skilled nursing facility use
- 6% increase in home health services
- 5% increase in outpatient services
These findings show members who have access to in-home support
from Papa Pals demonstrate more informed use of healthcare
services, often seeking lower-cost care and recovery at home over
in-patient or facilities-based services. And members who completed
more Papa visits were associated with even greater cost
reductions—showing the potentially exponential impact long-term
connection can have on an individual's health, including:
- 19% reduction in medical costs for members who average
more than two Papa visits per month
- 30% reduction in medical costs for members who average
more than three Papa visits per month
"The overwhelming majority of adults want to remain in their
homes and communities as they recover and age, yet many lack the
social support and resources necessary to safely do so," said
Kelsey McNamara, MPH, head of
research and impact at Papa. "Most of a person's perceived needs
after a hospital discharge, for example, are social, not clinical.
In fact, 40% of readmitted patients report that a challenge at home
contributed to their hospital readmissions, including unmet social
needs, like transportation and food, and a lack of social support.
Today's results further validate that Papa can help older adults
age and heal at home, and in the process, significantly reduce
healthcare costs."
Today's results add to a growing body of evidence that shows
Papa is associated with cost reductions across populations, with
higher-needs members yielding even greater savings. For example, a
2022 claims analysis by a Washington-based health plan among 2,000+
Medicare Advantage members who were identified as socially isolated
found a 19% decrease in medical costs among members who took at
least one Papa visit, while another 2022 analysis by a Michigan-based health plan of Medicaid members
with high emergency department utilization found a 33% reduction in
healthcare costs for active Papa participants.
As health plans continue reporting higher-than-expected
healthcare utilization and spending from their Medicare Advantage
members, and considering the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services' ramp up of supplemental benefit scrutiny and data
collection, there's heightened interest in solutions that reduce
costs, improve utilization, and help members seek and remain in
lower-acuity care settings for longer.
For more information on Papa's proven impact in these areas,
visit www.papa.com/research. For information on Papa's service and
outcomes-driven programs to help health plans achieve these
objectives, visit www.papa.com/product.
Methodology
A national actuarial firm conducted this
analysis leveraging standard claims cost analysis protocol. A total
of 2,386 Medicare Advantage members from a regional health plan
were enrolled in Papa between January
2021 through August 2023,
utilized at least one visit, and had sufficient claims data for the
analysis. Program impact was analyzed using risk-normalized allowed
claims costs and utilization eight months prior to and eight months
following program enrollment.
About Papa
Papa is a new kind of care, built on human
connection. Across the country, health plans and employers look to
Papa to provide vital social support by pairing older adults and
families with Papa Pals, trained and vetted companions, who provide
a helping hand and an open ear, resulting in less loneliness and
better health. Furthered by its remote team of social care
navigators, Papa also offers ancillary outcomes-driven impact
programs designed to help health plans improve health equity,
enhance Star Ratings, and reduce costs. Founded in 2017 and
headquartered in Miami, Papa is
backed by Canaan, Tiger Global Management, Comcast Ventures,
SoftBank Vision Fund 2, TCG, Initialized Capital, and Seven Seven
Six, among other revered institutional and individual investors. We
envision a world where no one has to go it alone. Learn more at
papa.com.
Papa Media Contact:
Jill Bongiorni Meadows
jmeadows@papa.com
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SOURCE Papa Inc.