Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Insurance

Papa Inc. Adds Reliance to Its Growing List of Medicare Advantage Plans to Provide ‘Family on Demand’ to Their HMO Population

MIAMI, Fla. -- Papa Inc, the leading technology-enabled platform for companionship & assistance for older adults & families, today announced it has been selected by Reliance Medicare Advantage to provide services beginning January 1, 2021 to their Michigan HMO population in order to enhance their quality of life through the eradication of social isolation and loneliness.

Papa has created a new category of care through technology by turning a large supply of talent (students, stay-at-home parents and young professionals) into a new category of provider that Papa calls "Pals."

As a partner, Papa will provide Reliance HMO members a program that bridges the gap between generations and offers seniors a unique at-home experience that can enrich their lives and combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Papa "Pals" can provide help with:

* Companionship - Whether it is board games, great conversation, or just enjoying each other's company, Papa provides valuable interactions either virtually or in-person;

* Transportation - Whether it is door to door, or door through door, Papa provides transportation to medical appointments, volunteer or work engagements, the grocery store, or even a visit to the park for a change of scenery;

* Technology Assistance - Papa Pals can assist with technology such as cell phones, computers and tablets to make sure members are staying connected to family and friends;

* Light Chores - Changing seasons can bring opportunity for Papa Pals to assist with light chores around the home such as gardening, snow removal, food preparation

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation, independence and technical savvy," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) explains that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. Considering the Census Bureau data that there will be 78 million people 65 and older by year 2035 compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18, we have an immediate responsibility to provide solutions that will result in positive long-term effects like lowering medical costs and improving their quality of life for this beloved population."

"Reliance chose Papa for their unique task-driven companionship services and mission to support families throughout the aging journey," said Jacob Nysson, Reliance COO. "We look forward to working with Papa to further evaluate our ageing members' needs and providing services to address those needs."

About Reliance

As Michigan's only doctor owned Medicare Advantage plans, Reliance Medicare Advantage is proud to provide southeastern Michigan residents on Medicare with a different kind of healthcare plan. For more information, visit: https://www.reliancemedicareadvantage.org/.

About Papa Inc

Papa is a platform of curated companions that provide support and assistance to older adults and families nationwide. Papa was founded in 2017 in Miami, FL. For more information, visit: https://www.joinpapa.com/.

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Insurance

Papa and Priority Health Announce Strategic Partnership Launch to Offer Senior Citizens More Freedom to Age in Place

MIAMI, Fla. -- Papa Inc., a nationwide provider for seniors and caregivers announced today its newest partnership with Priority Health. Papa will provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for Priority Health's PriorityMedicare Edge(SM) and PriorityMedicare Ideal(SM) Medicare Advantage plan members. The launch went live January 1, 2020 and it will be the only insurance plan in Michigan to cover services for seniors such as transportation, technology services and companionship to qualified members.

This partnership will improve senior citizen's mental health and help reduce loneliness and social isolation to allow seniors to age in place.

"We are thrilled to partner with Priority Health and help support their Medicare Advantage PriorityMedicare Edge and PriorityMedicare Ideal members in Michigan for their needs as they age in place," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "The partnership is exciting for both organizations."

Aging in place is becoming more popular with senior citizens. A recent survey from AARP (*see note 1) showed that roughly 90% of American seniors wish to live at home for as long as possible. The downside to aging in place is the social isolation it brings. A recent poll from The National Poll on Health Aging (*see note 2) found that more than a quarter of its respondents said they only had social contact once a week, or less, with family members they don't live with, friends and neighbors. Papa's partnership with Priority Health will give seniors more care and companionship.

"We are excited to be the first health plan in Michigan to provide the unique services which Papa provides," said CEO of Priority Health Joan Budden. "Most people are not used to a health care plan that provides in-home assistance to this degree, which is creating excitement in our Medicare community."

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provides assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Priority Health Plan

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering a broad portfolio of health benefit options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than a million members each year, and offering a network that includes 97 percent of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Priority Health is the smart choice for people seeking affordable, quality health insurance.

Sources:
*NOTE 1: AARP1: https://states.aarp.org/virginia/home-matters-survey
*NOTE 2: Healthy Aging Poll2: http://www.healthyagingpoll.org

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Papa Announces Launch with Alignment Healthcare for Medicare Advantage Members

MIAMI, Fla. -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and caregivers nationwide, announced today its partnership with Alignment Healthcare to provide "Grandkids On-Demand" for qualifying members of its Medicare Advantage plans. A soft launch kicked off in Los Angeles on Sept. 1, 2019, with expansion to additional membership on Jan. 1, 2020.

Papa will provide qualified Alignment members with assistance around the home, technology support and general companionship to reduce senior loneliness and social isolation, while improving overall mood.

"The impact of social determinants of health, which include loneliness and isolation, has a significantly negative effect on older adults," said Andrew Parker, Founder and CEO of Papa. "Our commitment to support these members by removing the obvious barriers associated with SDOH has a huge impact. We are proud to partner with Alignment Healthcare, a progressive partner that recognizes the importance of improving the lives of their members beyond medical care."

In partnering with Medicare Advantage plans, Papa empowers seniors with companionship, technology support and home help. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks for heart disease, cognitive decline and other chronic illnesses (*See Note 1). Papa Pals allows seniors to engage in meaningful and productive activities with a companion.

"At Alignment Healthcare, we believe caring for older adults, especially those with little support at home, needs to go beyond a physician's office," said Dawn Maroney, consumer president of Alignment Healthcare. "That's why we are excited to partner with Papa, which shares our mission to put the seniors we serve first and improve their overall health care experience."

About Papa

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Papa is the first and only companion health company that provides access to a curated network of motivated and vetted companions who are available for on demand, in-home assistance. With nationwide expansion under way, Papa Pals are currently available in Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit http://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Alignment Healthcare

Alignment Healthcare is redefining the business of health care by shifting the focus from payments to people. We've created a new model for health care delivery that cuts costs and improves lives by unraveling the inefficiencies of the current system to drive patients, providers and payers toward a common goal of wellness. Harnessing best practices from Medicare Advantage, our innovative data-management technology allows us to commit to caring for seniors and those who need it most: the chronically ill and frail.

With offices and care centers across the country, Alignment Healthcare provides partners and patients with customized care and service where they need it and when they need it, including clinical coordination, risk management and technology facilitation. Alignment Healthcare offers health plan options to California residents through Alignment Health Plan, and partners with select health plans in North Carolina to help deliver better benefits at lower costs. For more information, please visit http://www.alignmenthealthcare.com/.

*NOTE 1: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Insurance

Florida Blue and Papa Partner to Address Social Isolation, Improve Health Outcomes

MIAMI, Fla. -- Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, announced today that it is partnering with Papa, a nationwide provider of senior services, to offer Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans assistance with transportation, house chores, companionship and other senior support services.

Social isolation is a significant issue for aging adults and can have a major impact on overall health. Papa, which connects college students to seniors, removes some of the burden and stress on family caregivers and provides a level of assistance and companionship for older adults. The program bridges the gap between two generations and offers seniors a unique at-home experience that can enrich their lives and help combat feelings of loneliness.

"Driven by our mission to help people and communities achieve better health, we take a holistic approach to health by offering solutions to fit our members' needs and address social determinants of health like social isolation," said Kathy Feeny, president of Florida Blue Medicare. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution for seniors, which is why we 're working with companies like Papa that specialize in senior services and understand how to meet the unique needs of aging adults."

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, Florida Blue members in select Medicare Advantage plans, who have certain chronic conditions, can qualify for up to 120 hours of assistance a year (30 hours per quarter) by completing an annual wellness visit and a health risk assessment.

Once a member qualifies, Papa will provide a consultation to learn about the individual's needs and discuss ways in which a Papa Pal can help. Papa carefully selects their "grandkids on demand" or college students, many of whom have a specific health-related focus of study. The senior, or their family member, can request a Papa Pal on demand through a phone call, a mobile app or an online platform.

According to the 2017 National Population Projections by the U.S. Census Bureau1 there will be 78 million people 65 and older by year 2035 compared to 76.7 million under the age of 18. As the senior population continues to grow, the need for reliable companionship and transportation will, too.

"Expanding our reach and partnership with Florida Blue will give more support to members who need extra assistance," said Papa Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "Papa is a company that genuinely cares about all seniors and we believe everyone should be able to experience what a difference a Papa Pal brings to the home. We are much more than a service; we become family. That is what support looks like and what aging adults need when someone comes into their homes. We are happy to provide that service."

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for nearly 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 16 million people in 29 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Papa
Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018. For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Insurance

Papa and Aetna Announce Collaboration in Florida for Medicare Advantage Members

MIAMI, Fla. -- Papa Inc., a leading provider for seniors and Medicare Advantage Members announced today its collaboration with Aetna, a CVS Health company. Papa connects local college students, known as "Papa Pals," to older adults who need help with companionship, house chores and technology lessons. Certain Medicare Advantage members who live in Florida and have one or more chronic conditions will be eligible to receive assistance with Papa Pals starting January 1, 2020.

"Loneliness and social isolation have many negative effects on older adults, including issues associated with the lack of transportation," said Founder and CEO Andrew Parker. "We are excited to work with Aetna in areas of Florida to help more seniors with companionship. We are happy to continue our journey combatting the loneliness epidemic with Aetna."

A recent AARP study found that there is a 26 percent increased risk of early death due to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. As health declines, it is more common for seniors to experience increased symptoms. AARP also found that 46 percent of women ages 75 or older live alone (*see note 1). Another study by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) found that loneliness is more dangerous than obesity and is as hurtful to the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (*see note 2).

Companies like Papa and Aetna make a difference in helping aging seniors by providing necessary options for them to stay a part of a community and alleviate social isolation and loneliness.

"Social isolation is a crisis, especially among seniors," noted Dr. Robert Mirsky, Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Medicare. "We want to make sure they remain connected to their communities and have a sense of purpose and belonging in their lives, and a sense they are continuing to contribute to society. Papa Pals are a great way to help seniors do this."

Sources:
*NOTE 1: https://connect2affect.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/AARP-740C-Loneliness-Report-v3-with-LOGO-TAG.pdf
*NOTE 2: https://www.hrsa.gov/enews/past-issues/2019/january-17/loneliness-epidemic

About Papa

Papa is a Miami startup that has Grandkids On-Demand who provide assistance and companionship to senior citizens throughout Florida, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Illinois, and Kansas. Papa launched their service in January of 2018.

For more information, visit https://www.joinpapa.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/join_papa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joinpapa/

About Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health company, serves an estimated 38 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental and behavioral health plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers' compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna's customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, visit https://www.aetna.com/ and explore how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world. @AetnaNews

Aetna Medicare is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

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