WELLESLEY, Mass., Feb. 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has released
reports from two clinical intervention programs offered to eligible
members receiving disability or critical illness benefits. The
reports showed that members who used these programs experienced
improved health outcomes. The reports highlight data and insights
from each program with health partners AbleTo and Goodpath, which
launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. These programs align with
Sun Life's strategy to help people access the care and coverage
they need by providing health services and programs that complement
core health insurance.
AbleTo provides virtual behavioral health services to covered
members receiving disability or critical illness benefits due to a
cancer diagnosis. Goodpath provides integrative virtual
whole-person care and coaching to those on disability for
musculoskeletal conditions of the neck or back or for long COVID-19
symptoms. Both programs provide Sun Life members with personal
support to help them through their medical condition with the goal
of improving health and returning to productivity sooner.
Results show that AbleTo's behavioral health program
significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and stress, while
Goodpath's program resulted in meaningful reductions in pain and
improvement of physical and mental health symptoms.
"With these partnerships, we are able to drive improved outcomes
for our members, help them further address their health needs and,
if possible, help them return to better health and work," said
Sheila Sokolski, assistant vice
president, Group Benefits Product and Marketing, Sun Life U.S.
"We're pleased to know that these programs will have positive
outcomes for our employer clients as well, helping them retain
valued employees and contributing to stronger health and
productivity outcomes."
"The data has exceeded our expectations, so we're very excited
to engage more members in these programs," said Sheila
Weiss, R.N., assistant vice president, Group Claims and
Clinical Services, Sun Life U.S. "As virtual services, the AbleTo
and Goodpath programs meet people where they are, broadening access
to care for more of our members, including those who otherwise may
not be able to see a mental health specialist or receive health and
wellness coaching. We continue to expand our focus on member
health, strengthening our disability management practice."
AbleTo's behavioral health service is an eight-week program
offered to eligible members receiving short-term disability or
critical illness benefits due to cancer. Members engage in virtual
sessions with a dedicated therapist and receive content to help
them address mental health issues and cope with their diagnosis.
Sun Life's own claim data, as well as industry research, shows that
mental health issues are among the most prominent comorbid
conditions for those dealing with a serious health diagnosis like
cancer. Before treatment begins, each AbleTo participant attends an
initial consultation to assess a care pathway based on their unique
needs. Along with a therapist, participants are paired with a
behavioral health coach and receive access to digital tools they
can use between sessions to work toward their goals.
Goodpath provides virtual whole-person care and coaching for
several chronic conditions through a single platform. Through Sun
Life's partnership, Goodpath is offered to eligible members
receiving short-term disability benefits for musculoskeletal issues
of the neck and back (one of the most common health conditions
associated with disability), or long-term disability for long COVID
symptoms, a continuing health concern for workers and employers.
Participants work one-on-one with a dedicated health coach, receive
physical items shipped to their homes, and have access to virtual
content and treatments. Each member begins with a health assessment
that examines their unique symptoms, habits, lifestyle, and other
underlying conditions, including mental health issues such as
anxiety and depression.
To learn more about Sun Life's results with the AbleTo and
Goodpath programs, download the recent reports here.
About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international
financial services organization providing asset management, wealth,
insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional
Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide,
including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December
31, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of
C$1.40 trillion. For more
information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and
government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access
the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry
partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio
of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability,
absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss
insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than
8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner
dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management.
Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company
of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in
New York, where policies are
issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.)
(Lansing, Mich.). For more
information visit our website and newsroom.
Media contacts
Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
781-800-3609
Connect with Sun Life U.S.
https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial
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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
