Included Health Expands Specialty Care Network with Carrum Health Partnership

Included Health has partnered with Carrum Health to integrate specialty care into its alternative health plan, as announced on Tuesday.

Included Health offers virtual and in-person care, navigation, and care coordination, along with 24/7 support for clinical and administrative needs. Its alternative health plan, launched in February, focuses on primary care and provides upfront costs for members.

Under this partnership, Carrum Health’s Centers of Excellence network will be incorporated into Included Health’s plan. Included Health identifies when members require specialty services—such as surgeries, cancer care, or substance use disorder treatment—through primary care visits, app communication, or claims data, then refers them to Carrum for treatment.

Following care at Carrum, members are returned to Included Health for continued support.

This collaboration addresses rising employer healthcare costs, where specialty care accounts for nearly 50% of expenditures.

“Many individuals don’t know how to navigate the healthcare system when they need care,” said Matthew Eurey, Carrum Health’s chief commercial officer. “Included’s platform addresses that gap, but employers recognize most costs stem from specialty care. By combining our strengths, we aim to reduce costs while ensuring quality support during critical moments.”

Included Health highlighted Carrum’s expertise in delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. Dr. Ami Parekh, Included Health’s chief health officer, emphasized their shared goal of improving outcomes and reducing total care costs. “Crumm identifies top-tier providers who deliver value-based care, which directly lowers expenses for employers and ensures sustainable benefits for employees,” Parekh stated.

Success metrics include patient engagement, improved health outcomes, and reduced specialty care costs. Parekh noted the partnership marks the beginning of a broader effort to “elevate healthcare standards for all.”

Photo: metamorworks, Getty Images

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