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

Individuals in health plans that combine medical and pharmacybenefits from the same company were 2.8 percent more likely toclose gaps in their health care than those in plans where thepharmacy benefit is not integrated with the medical benefit orwhere pharmacy claims data is imported from another pharmacybenefit management company.

By closing gaps in health care, individuals are more likely tobe able to prevent complications or the progression of theirconditions. The improvements in obtaining necessary care bycondition 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 (highblood pressure)
• 7.4 percent higher for individuals with coronary artery disease(CAD)
• 7.0 percent higher for individuals with hyperlipidemia (highcholesterol)
• 6.5 percent higher for individuals with diabetes

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