BCBSM offers a virtual muscle and joint health program delivered through Hinge Health.
The carrier describes a virtual muscle and joint health program, delivered through the Hinge Health app, for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members. The page is written for members, not employers.
What the program is and what members do.
What the program is
The carrier describes a virtual program to prevent, treat and recover from muscle and joint pain with the help of a care team. It lists pain prevention, short and long term pain, surgery preparation and recovery, and exercise therapy for pelvic floor strength.
How members use it
Members download the Hinge Health app, create an account and answer short questions about their muscle and joint health. The carrier says those answers help determine eligibility and whether the member receives a tailored care kit, such as a yoga mat, wearable device, phone stand or exercise bands.
What support is included
The carrier describes a specialized care team including physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons, board-certified health coaches by text, phone or video, exercise sessions and education. It says coaches check in two to three times per week. The page does not describe limits.
Eligibility, funding and plan design.
Who can use it
The carrier says it is for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members. The page does not mention Medicare and does not address employer group size or funding type, so confirm the audience for your group.
How it is funded or sold
The member page says the program is at no cost to the member. It does not say whether the employer pays anything or how it differs for fully insured and self-funded groups, so we would ask the carrier directly.
Where it fits in plan design
It is a virtual alternative or complement to in-person physical therapy for employees with back, joint or similar pain. It does not replace coverage for physical therapy or surgery, which are governed by the medical plan.
What to settle before relying on it.
Is Hinge Health included for our group?
The member page describes it as available with the plan. We would ask the carrier to confirm in writing that the group is eligible and whether any employer fee applies.
How does it work with in-network physical therapy?
The carrier says Hinge Health is an independent company. We would ask how this program interacts with the plan’s physical therapy benefit and whether participation changes member cost sharing.
What data does the employer receive?
The page says nothing on employer reporting. We would ask what participation information is provided, and how member health information is kept private from the employer.
Common questions about this program.
Who delivers the program?
The carrier says Hinge Health, Inc., an independent company, provides the virtual muscle and joint health services to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network members.
Does the member pay?
The member page says at no cost to you. Employers should confirm whether anything is charged to the group.
Does everyone who signs up qualify?
The carrier says short questions determine eligibility for the program and for a care kit, so not every sign-up may qualify. Ask the carrier how eligibility is decided.
Where these details come from.
This page summarizes what BCBSM publishes. Programs change, so confirm current details with the carrier before relying on them.
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