Dive Brief:
- A new study by health rewards-based marketing firm EveryMove has concluded that Cigna and Kaiser Permanente lead the payer industry when it comes to connecting via technology.
- The study looked at how payers use current technologies like social media, mobile apps and websites to reach out, as well as taking a look at customer service and current member perceptions of the companies.
- Steps taken by the health plans include building out consumer-friendly website designs,increasing social engagement and creating mobile apps for Android and iPhone platforms.
Dive Insight:
While Kaiser and Cigna may be leading at the moment, it's likely that their peers will catch up soon, as the technologies behind social engagement are maturing rapidly. We're rapidly moving to the point where having mobile apps, a strong social media presence and even using health monitoring technologies like FitBit are becoming a routine part of care. Health plans can't afford not to be leaders in these efforts.