WHEN JASON AND HIS WIFE JULIE, OF PERRYSBURG, FIRST HEARD THE WORDS “MULTIPLE MYELOMA,” they were suddenly thrust into a world no family ever expects to navigate. The treatments for Jason, including CAR-T cell therapy, sounded as complex as they were intimidating.
Amid uncertainty, Jason and Julie found strength not only in each other, but in the power of connected care.
The growing challenge of chronic disease Healthcare isn’t just about what happens inside a doctor’s office. In fact, chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many cancers are among the most common, costly, and preventable health problems in our state. According to the Ohio Department of Health, chronic conditions continue to be a leading cause of death and disability.
When we look specifically at cancer, Ohio sees on average more than 69,000 new invasive cancer diagnoses each year and more than 25,000 cancer deaths annually. That means tens of thousands of Ohio families could benefit from a model of care that brings together the physical, behavioral, and social parts of health into one connected experience.
Connected care in action
For Jason and Julie, that connection came through a dedicated Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield nurse case manager named Molly, who worked with them every step of the way.
Molly coordinated with hospitals, pharmacies and specialists to make sure Jason received the right care at the right time without delay, confusion or extra paperwork.
She regularly checked in with him and managed his care plan by identifying and addressing gaps in care and connecting him with resources. Most importantly, Jason could focus on healing and spending time with his family.
Today, Jason’s multiple myeloma is in remission. He’s back to exercising and embracing life with energy and gratitude. His story is a testament to what’s possible when health plans, care providers and patients are truly connected.
The benefits of personalizing healthcare Across Ohio, we’re reimagining what healthcare can be–more affordable, more accessible, and more personalized.
Connected care helps make the system more efficient by cutting down on duplications, reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring every healthcare dollar goes further.
It helps make care more personal because no two health journeys are the same, and it helps make care more affordable by identifying the right support early, before small issues become crises.
Through our care coordination programs, Anthem leverages datadriven insights, coordinates across our care provider network, and ensures that members like Jason and Julie feel supported and understood.
This is not just about technology or systems. It is about people. It is about Ohioans knowing that when life takes an unexpected turn, they have a team standing with them.
As leaders in healthcare, our purpose is to improve lives and communities by simplifying healthcare and our system.
Jason and Julie’s story is just one example of how connected care can deliver not only better outcomes but also peace of mind.
When we put people at the center, care becomes more compassionate, more coordinated, and more human.
Jane Peterson is president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. ✲
