Starting Jan. 1, new cancer support program will be available for some commercial members

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are working with OncoHealth^® to provide a cancer support program (Iris by OncoHealth) for adult members ages 18 and older who have a cancer diagnosis or who are cancer survivors.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, this program will help members navigate the emotional, physical and financial challenges caused by cancer diagnosis and treatment. It also aims to lower the burden on health care providers and complement — not replace or interfere with — the care they provide. It’s meant to provide supplemental support and education between regularly scheduled, in-person appointments.

Iris by OncoHealth will be available to:

• Members who have coverage through Blue Cross and BCN commercial fully insured groups
• Commercial members who have individual coverage
• Members who have coverage through self-funded groups that purchase the program

There will be no cost to eligible members. With permission from the member, it will also be available to their caregivers.

Through the Iris mobile app or by phone, the program will include access to:

• 24/7 support from oncology nurses — Members can discuss symptoms and side effects with oncology nurses. The Iris nurses report new or worsening symptoms to the member’s primary oncology team by fax or phone. The Iris nursing team is supported by medical oncologists and advanced practice providers who are available for case escalation.
  
  Note: The Iris nurses use OncoHealth Medical Group’s symptom management pathways to help members manage symptoms. The pathways are based on standards of care established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Oncology Nursing Society, adapted for use in virtual care.

  Symptom management pathways won’t include prescription medications, but may include over-the-counter medications.

• Oncology-specific mental health support — Members can schedule virtual care appointments with licensed therapists. The Iris therapists offer members support for cancer-specific concerns, including adjusting to illness, coping with anxiety, depression and uncertainty, and communicating with their care teams. Members are often able to meet with a therapist within 24 to 48 hours of scheduling an appointment.
  
• Registered dietitian nutritionists with cancer expertise — The Iris dietitians offer personalized support to address high-impact nutritional symptoms and provide diagnosis-specific guidance related to food and nutrition.
  
• Peer mentors — A trained team of cancer patients, caregivers and survivors are available to support and advise members based on their own experiences navigating a cancer diagnosis.
  
• Customized educational information — This includes a library of clinically approved videos, articles and other self-guided content curated for each member.
  
• A symptom tracker — Members can report symptoms and side effects through the tracker in the mobile app. Iris nurses remotely monitor the information members enter, which enables them to intervene early when necessary.
  
• Advance care planning assistance
  
• Navigation to financial and community resources — These resources reduce barriers to care.
  
• Interpreters — If English isn’t the member’s first language, interpreters are available.

To learn more, view this Iris by OncoHealth video** or go to IrisOncology.com.**

OncoHealth is an independent company supporting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network by providing cancer support services.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.