The Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services has recognized chronic disease management company Livongo as an enrolled provider for Medicare Advantage members, the startup announced this morning in a release.

And, to kick off its new designation, Livongo’s diabetes management offering will be available this June to Medicare Advantage members receiving care through a Cambia Health Solution regional health plan.

"We are extremely excited to share that Livongo has received CMS approval as an enrolled provider. Completing this process is a significant differentiator for Livongo and represents our commitment to delivering the highest quality services to the Medicare Advantage population," Livongo CEO Zane Burke said in a statement. "This is another example of the value of Livongo's partnership with Cambia as we continue to work together to expand our solutions in a way that is most beneficial to our Members.”

WHY IT MATTERS

The senior population is particularly burdened by chronic diseases such as diabetes. With CMS’ approval, Livongo has earned itself a substantial nationwide user base, as well as a payer willing to support the service.

News of the speedy rollout across Cambia’s members is little surprise considering the two companies’ existing partnership, announced around this time last year. Regardless, with more than 2 million people enrolled in regional health plans in the Northwest US, it still stands as a major expansion for the chronic disease management startup’s primary product.

WHAT’S THE TREND

Livongo’s biggest news of 2019 so far has been rumblings of an IPO before the year’s end, but the company has still seen plenty of action otherwise. For instance, it released one of the first HIPAA-friendly consumer health apps for Amazon Alexa a few weeks ago, and in January purchased behavioral health app MyStrength for more than $10 million.

ON THE RECORD

"Livongo's CMS enrollment is another great step in our co-development partnership, and the Cambia team is excited for our regional health plans to expand these offerings to the Medicare Advantage population," Dr. Cheryl Pegus, Cambia Health Solutions’ SVP of health care services and chief medical officer, said in a statement. "Consumer-focused solutions for our members and their families encourage their well-being and highlight our integrative capabilities to simplify the member journey."