MassMutual and Genomics announce next phase of partnership
Last year, MassMutual announced a collaboration with Genomics, a provider of a genetic risk assessment service. The life insurer offered select policyholders free access to the service and due to the interest demonstrated during the initial phase, MassMutual is now expanding the service.
The expanded program offers eligible MassMutual policyowners aged 35-70 access to polygenic risk testing via a saliva test that identifies hidden risk for eight common conditions: atrial fibrillation, breast or prostate cancer (depending on biological sex), cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low bone density and type 2 diabetes. In addition to learning about their risk for each of the conditions, policyowners also receive actionable, tailored health advice and a report they can review with their doctor to reduce the chances of developing the condition.
The results are never shared with MassMutual and do not impact current premiums or policies. MassMutual only receives high-level, anonymized data from Genomics that allows the company to better understand aggregate policyowners’ health and behaviors and interest in these types of offerings.
During the initial Genomics and MassMutual collaboration, 1 in 5 policyowners learned that they are at a higher risk for preventable diseases, and more than 70% of policyowners who elected to use the risk assessment service reported intent to take preventative actions based on their risk scores, including plans to see their doctor or seek further screening.
“While the study of genomics is not new, it now provides an enormous opportunity to help individuals live their longest, healthiest lives. By giving individuals and their doctors much more precise information about the particular health risks they face, they can take the right actions, at the right time, to help prevent disease entirely, or to catch it early when outcomes are much better. As a leader in insurance, MassMutual is one of the first to understand the untapped value genomics brings in making proactive and preventative health choices. We’re thrilled to work alongside a partner aligned with our mission of transforming health and making this technology more widely available.” – Sir Peter Donnelly, co-founder and chief executive officer, Genomics.
“We’re excited to have a partner like Genomics that is equally committed to the mission of empowering individuals to live their fullest lives by understanding and acting on risk factors. This offering allows us to further support policyowners on their path to a healthy life by learning about their risks and making informed health choices. Based on the success of our initial research collaboration, there is high interest from policyowners to act on the information they receive, and we’re honored to lead the insurance industry forward by equipping individuals to play a more proactive role in their health journey.” – Sears Merritt, head of enterprise technology and experience, MassMutual.
