Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey collaboration with AbleTo Inc. to offer no-cost behavioral therapy to cardiac patients

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) today announced an innovative new program to help recovering cardiac patients also heal from the emotional challenges that can accompany heart events. Horizon is collaborating with AbleTo, Inc. to offer therapy services by a licensed therapist and behavior coach -- via telephone or secure on-line video – at no cost to certain Horizon BCBSNJ members, beginning this month. "It is not uncommon for patients to experience anxiety, sadness and stress following a heart event, which is why Horizon is committed to giving our members the tools they need to recover both physically and emotionally from their experience," said Steven Wolinsky MD, Senior Medical Director for Horizon BCBSNJ. "This is a holistic approach to care that can speed recovery, improve overall health and reduce the likelihood of complications and hospital readmissions." The remote therapy is offered as an eight-week program in which therapist and behavior coach teams help members make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their physical health, while reducing their depression, anxiety and stress. "This collaboration will allow us to help Horizon members address the behavioral health issues that directly impact their medical recovery and overall health," said Dr. Reena Pande, Chief Medical Officer, AbleTo. "Horizon members deserve integrated care that's simple to access and proven to help them lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives." The behavioral health program is for cardiac patients living in the state of New Jersey and is available as a value-add service to certain commercial employer groups, including the Federal Employee Program (FEP). Employer groups seeking additional information should contact an AbleTo representative at 1-866-287-1802 .   About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.6 million members. About AbleTo, Inc. AbleTo, Inc. combines best-in-class patient engagement with behavior change treatment programs that allow health plans and plan sponsors to improve health outcomes, while lowering overall spending, for high-cost medical populations. Benefitting groups include heart patients and diabetics, as well as those suffering from depression/anxiety and chronic pain. All sixteen of our programs utilize best-practice protocols and are delivered nationally by teams of licensed therapists and behavior coaches. Program participants experience improved health, better recovery and in the case of heart patients, fewer hospitalizations.