How WellCare of Kentucky and Kumanu are Improving Lives

Each year, as many as 20,000 young people “age out” of the foster care system many without strong family relationships or community connections to help them navigate their lives ahead. In Kentucky, these young adults age out of the foster care system at 18 years old and are faced with a number of important life decisions to make around their health, safety and education.

According to statistics, 25 percent of aged-out foster youth experience homelessness in their first four years on their own; are at seven times the rate compared to their non-foster care counterparts for drug dependence; and only 25 percent of foster youth are in college versus 41 percent of the general population.

To help improve outcomes for these young adults, WellCare of Kentucky, a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) company, in collaboration with JOOL Health, an advanced well-being and technology company, is offering its young members a virtual life coach focused on goal-setting and self-tracking.

“Lack of purpose in life has a profound impact on the health and well-being of young adults, especially those in the foster care system,” said Bill Jones, president, WellCare of Kentucky. “Purposeful living is linked to a longer life, lower risk of disease and healthier behaviors. By coaching these young adults to make better decisions, we aim to help them live better, healthier lives.”

Over time – and based on the member’s inputs and daily self-reporting – the JOOL mobile app delivers personalized tips, guidance, insights and support that members can draw on to achieve and sustain better health and well-being.

“Based on our research, our program has recorded fundamental and sustainable positive behavior changes in users beginning in as little as 10 days. This behavioral change fuels meaningful engagement and improvements in many other areas of life. Users are frequently more receptive to change and resilient in the face of adversity and stress, two factors known to negatively influence well-being and productivity outcomes,” said Vic Strecher Ph.D., MPH, founder and CEO of JOOL Health.

The full press release is available here.