New analysis from CIGNA finds combining medical and pharmacy benefits from the same company promotes healthier habits. Research shows individuals who have a health plan with integrated benefits designed to work together are far more likely to obtain necessary care, take their medication appropriately, and get necessary lab tests associated with chronic conditions.

Individuals in health plans that combine medical and pharmacy benefits from the same company were 2.8 percent more likely to close gaps in their health care than those in plans where the pharmacy benefit is not integrated with the medical benefit or where pharmacy claims data is imported from another pharmacy benefit management company.

By closing gaps in health care, individuals are more likely to be able to prevent complications or the progression of their conditions. The improvements in obtaining necessary care by condition were:

• 14 percent higher for individuals with asthma
• 11.7 percent higher for individuals with chronic renal failure (CRF)
• 7.6 percent higher for individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure)
• 7.4 percent higher for individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD)
• 7.0 percent higher for individuals with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
• 6.5 percent higher for individuals with diabetes

Total savings for plan sponsors (usually the employer) was estimated to be $1.60 per employee per month.