Easing the Burden for Cancer Patients

Inspired to help save cancer patients from needless and costly burdens, Elevance Health developed the award-winning Concierge Cancer Care (C3) Program, which was fully launched in 2020 to associates and offered to National Accounts customers. Through compassionate care and more effective use of technology, some complications that may occur during chemotherapy – like shingles – can be diagnosed and treated while the patient remains safely at home.

Drawing on artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data, the program helps patients through each step of their cancer treatment, providing personalized support and resources, starting with a virtual second opinion. Patients can see a physician from the comfort of their home and, using such technology advances as handheld exam kits, be examined virtually and share their vital signs at any time. The program also matches members to centers of excellence with clinical trials while making sure they don’t have to worry about the costs of transportation and lodging, which can be a barrier for many. The program is designed to help patients focus on what matters most – their health and recovery.

When Kroger, America’s largest supermarket chain, had asked for an enhanced oncology program, they agreed to pilot C3, which became an immediate success. “We wanted to provide a more comprehensive support program for our employees with cancer, and it’s been a huge help to them,” said Theresa Monti, vice president of Total Rewards at Kroger. “The process is streamlined so instead of wrestling with forms and details, they can just concentrate on their health, which is so important when you’re struggling with cancer. This is what personalized healthcare should look like going forward.”

The C3 program has more than tripled its reach since its launch in 2020 and is already available to nearly 900,000 members.