Humana expands value-based care with new cancer and kidney disease initiatives

Humana Inc., a leading health and well-being company, has reinforced its commitment to value-based care by introducing two major healthcare initiatives. The company has announced a new partnership with Thyme Care to provide comprehensive cancer care for Medicare Advantage members and has expanded its collaboration with Monogram Health to extend specialist-driven kidney care to additional regions.

These agreements highlight Humana’s broader effort to improve healthcare outcomes while addressing gaps in oncology and nephrology services. The initiatives focus on patient-centered care models designed to enhance access, affordability, and overall quality of life for those managing complex medical conditions.

How Does Humana’s Partnership With Thyme Care Enhance Cancer Care?

Cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges in the United States, ranking as the second-leading cause of death. The financial burden, physical toll, and emotional stress associated with a cancer diagnosis make it imperative for patients to receive holistic cancer support. Humana’s collaboration with Thyme Care introduces an innovative approach that integrates virtual oncology navigation, pharmacy interventions, and community-based assistance for Medicare Advantage members.

Through this partnership, eligible members gain access to 24/7 virtual oncology support, where a dedicated team of oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers provides clinical and non-clinical assistance. This model ensures that patients receive continuous guidance between appointments, including medication management, urgent care support, and chronic condition monitoring.

In addition to clinical support, the initiative addresses the broader challenges faced by cancer patients. Community-based cancer support services connect members with essential resources such as transportation to medical appointments, financial aid for treatment costs, food assistance programs, and stable housing options. These interventions help remove barriers to care, particularly for patients in underserved communities.

Another critical aspect of the program is its care coordination strategy, which ensures seamless communication between oncologists, primary care physicians, and specialists. By centralizing patient information and treatment plans, the initiative enhances decision-making in cancer treatment, reducing care gaps and minimizing unnecessary medical expenses.

Dr. Bryan Loy, Medical Director at Humana, emphasized the importance of high-touch oncology care, stating that the partnership with Thyme Care reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring that Medicare Advantage members receive comprehensive, patient-centered oncology care. Thyme Care’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Brad Diephuis, echoed this sentiment, explaining that navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and this collaboration ensures that patients receive dedicated support every step of the way.

What Does the Expansion of Humana’s Kidney Care Program Mean for Patients?

Humana has also broadened its partnership with Monogram Health to improve home-based kidney care for Medicare Advantage members. This expansion now includes Georgia, in addition to existing coverage in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, addressing the growing need for comprehensive kidney disease management.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 37 million Americans, many of whom also struggle with high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. Despite the severity of CKD, a significant number of patients have never consulted a nephrologist, revealing a critical gap in access to specialist-driven nephrology care. The expanded partnership with Monogram Health aims to close this gap by offering personalized, in-home kidney disease treatment for patients managing CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Monogram Health’s care model integrates evidence-based nephrology services with a focus on early intervention. The program not only treats kidney disease but also targets the underlying conditions that contribute to CKD progression. Patients receive individualized treatment plans that address hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic imbalances, helping to slow disease progression and improve overall health outcomes.

Alan Stewart, President of Humana’s Medicare East Division, underscored the importance of expanding access to home-based kidney care, noting that this initiative provides multispecialty kidney care to Medicare Advantage members with complex medical needs. Michael Uchrin, Chief Executive Officer of Monogram Health, highlighted that the partnership does more than just manage kidney disease—it also treats the root causes, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to patient care.

How Does Value-Based Care Improve Outcomes for Cancer and Kidney Patients?

Both Humana-Thyme Care and Humana-Monogram Health partnerships align with a broader shift in healthcare towards value-based care models. Unlike traditional fee-for-service approaches, value-based care focuses on improving patient health outcomes while reducing unnecessary costs.

By implementing proactive, coordinated, and patient-centric solutions, these initiatives aim to deliver high-quality medical support at the right time, preventing complications and reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Cancer patients benefit from comprehensive cancer care that integrates oncology navigation, pharmacy management, and community-based cancer support, while kidney disease patients receive specialist-driven nephrology care that emphasizes early intervention and personalized treatment.

Through these efforts, Humana continues to position itself as a leader in value-based healthcare, working to ensure that patients managing complex and chronic conditions receive accessible, affordable, and high-quality care.