Since 2023, our member company Barmenia and our Accelerator alumnus mentalis have been supporting policyholders with a mental illness through various online programs. In the following duo interview, they explain how the two came together and what exactly lies behind their collaboration.
How did your collaboration come about?
Sabrina Gliebe (left in picture), Health Manager Competence Center Digitization Performance, and Lena Flüß (right in picture),Digital and Personal Health Services Officer Competence Center Digitization Performance
Barmenia:
Last September, Mr. Stein gave a presentation on mentalis' aftercare programs at the E-Health Salon in Berlin. A colleague from Barmenia attended and was immediately enthusiastic about the approach and the added value of the programs. As a result, contact was then established between Mr. Stein and us. We were able to share this enthusiasm after an intensive insight and test of the programs and therefore decided to cooperate.
mentalis:
Last September, I had the opportunity to talk about our mentalis aftercare at the E-Health Salon in Berlin and to draw attention to the gap in the German healthcare system. The presentation was very well received by the audience and, fortunately, also by the insurance companies, such as Barmenia. I am very pleased to have gained a new partner for the care of mental illnesses.
What distinguishes your collaboration, what makes it special?
Barmenia:
For both sides, the focus is on fast, uncomplicated and high-quality care for the patients. Our discussions were and are open and constructive right from the start. Our enthusiasm for the aftercare program was further confirmed in the formulation of the cooperation agreement, so that we were able to start our cooperation quickly.
mentalis:
Trust and an open exchange are the basis for successful collaboration. At Barmenia, we felt this from the very beginning and also perceived the enthusiasm to fundamentally improve the care of affected patients. What we have in common is that the focus is on the patients. We are very pleased about the cooperation and look forward to working together in a spirit of trust.
What is the added value for the insurance industry and which 'pain points' could you solve?
Barmenia:
mentalis provides people with mental illnesses with seamless aftercare following inpatient treatment. The cooperation enables Barmenia customers to continue to receive support and guidance in further outpatient treatment even after their inpatient stay. The combination of app and tele-coaching sustainably consolidates therapy successes, stabilizes and can thus contribute to reducing the rehospitalization rate.
There are numerous campaigns and offers of help, but talking about one's own alcohol addiction or eating disorder or seeking help is often still a taboo subject. Barmenia would like to provide its customers with additional support during the transition between hospitalization and everyday life, so that they can gradually find their way back to a permanently self-determined life.
Hans-Jürgen Stein, Managing Director mentalis GmbH
mentalis:
Barmenia starts where many insurance companies fail: In the provision of further care after a stay in hospital. This is a holistic approach that takes into account the entire care chain of the patients concerned and thus addresses several pain points, such as the following:
- Reduction of treatment costs by reducing the rehospotalization rate and lower expenses for follow-up treatments
- Differentiation from other health insurers by offering innovative products
- Relief for the insured community
- Reduction of the number of deficit treatments in the inpatient sector
- Expanding the options in case management
The solution of the Pain Points pursues a common goal: the well-being of the patients.
You are a member or Accelerator alumnus of InsurLab Germany. What does this industry initiative mean to you?
Barmenia:
We really appreciate the network and match-making of InsurLab Germany to bring start-ups and insurance companies together.
mentalis:
The special thing about InsurLab Germany is the large network and an honest exchange. We at mentalis appreciate this very much and are happy to be able to use the opportunity to think outside the box. We can recommend the network to anyone who wants to make a difference in the insurance industry and drive forward intelligent solutions.