The Hypertension Problem
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects approximately 30% of the US workforce. It is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms — many people with hypertension do not know they have it. Uncontrolled hypertension dramatically increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease — all of which are catastrophic cost events for employer health plans.
Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring
Remote blood pressure monitoring programs provide employees with connected blood pressure cuffs and coaching support. Studies show that remote monitoring programs improve hypertension control rates by 20–30% compared to standard care. The programs are particularly effective for employees who have difficulty attending regular office visits.
Medication Adherence
IQ Insight
Medication non-adherence is the primary reason hypertension is not controlled in many patients. Studies show that 50% of patients stop taking their antihypertensive medications within one year. Reducing cost-sharing for hypertension medications to $0 improves adherence by 15–20% — and the cost of the reduced cost-sharing is far less than the cost of the hospitalizations and ER visits that result from uncontrolled hypertension.