Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, offering innovative solutions to the more traditional channels within the healthcare delivery system and even potentially improving patient outcomes.

The health plan offerings through the VBA Benefits Corp. (VBABC) are focused on keeping up with technological advances and incorporate tools, resources and solutions that utilize AI.  A few examples include the following:

• Since 2017, we’ve been using predictive analytics powered by AI to utilize over 400 algorithms that identify patterns and predict the likelihood of future health issues. For example, AI can forecast the risk of chronic diseases within our covered population, such as diabetes or heart disease, allowing for early intervention and lifestyle modifications. This proactive approach helps manage health conditions before they become severe, reduces healthcare costs, and improves quality of life. 
• In 2025, we are launching a comprehensive well-being platform available to all employers participating in our health plans.  Employees can complete a health risk assessment (HRA), which includes questions about genetic makeup, lifestyle, and other factors. The platform engine will analyze this data and other clinical results to develop customized educational tools and resources to target health conditions specific to the individual.   
• Based on our data analytic results, we are offering two new health point solutions in 2025. Both have AI components embedded into their programs. 
  • Hello Heart is a digital heart-healthy program intended to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol.  Members receive a blood pressure cuff to take regular readings, which connects to the vendor’s app using Bluetooth.  The app generates messages that provide guidance and recommendations on how to lower blood pressure using AI. 
  • Our second program, Noom, aims to provide a solution for weight loss and nutrition.  Obesity is a major contributing factor to our chronic conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  The Noom offering includes live coaching as well as AI-driven aspects that provide employees with real-time data and recommendations.  For example, the AI calorie counter feature rolled out this summer, which can identify ingredients and caloric count through a photo in a matter of minutes, providing real-time results and saving time with manual inputting of data for participants.

As technology continues to advance, the potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare will only grow, promising a future where healthcare is more efficient, personalized, and accessible.  And VBABC-sponsored programs will continue to evolve to keep our banks’ benefits programs best-in-class.