Health Alliance, Bayer sign outcomes-based contract to support MS patients

Bayer HealthCare and Health Alliance Medical Plans have entered into an outcomes-based contract for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) who are taking Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations.  The agreement is the first of this type for Bayer HealthCare in the U.S. and is defined by relapses requiring hospitalizations for Betaseron patients covered by Health Alliance. 

"Bayer continually identifies and implements innovative means of supporting our patients," said Alex Santini, Vice President, Managed Markets, Bayer HealthCare.  "This agreement reinforces our commitment to people taking Betaseron and demonstrates our belief that when patients are adherent to their treatment plan, there may be a greater chance for positive outcomes by reducing clinical exacerbations."

Both companies are committed to providing support to people taking Betaseron.  Bayer's patient support program, BETAPLUS®, is designed to help patients get started successfully on Betaseron and remain on their treatment plan.  It provides round-the-clock nurse assistance and access specialists who answer insurance-related questions, among other services.  Health Alliance emphasizes wellness, education and prevention and has assembled networks of the best healthcare professionals.  The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded Health Alliance its highest accreditation for its HMO, POS and Medicare HMO products since 1997.

"Today's healthcare environment calls for new ways to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs associated with disease management," said Robert Parker, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Health Alliance.  "This agreement represents the best efforts of Bayer and Health Alliance to address the needs of patients while taking into account economic realities."