As teh healthcare landscape evolves, innovative partnerships are emerging to reshape how we deliver and pay for post-acute care. One such collaboration between tango-partnership/” title=”Independence Blue Cross, … partner on home health services”>Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and tango is gaining traction, promising to improve access to home health care and manage costs more effectively. This is notably relevant as we look ahead in 2026, with an aging population and a growing need for accessible, affordable care.
Enhancing Post-Acute Care Through Strategic Partnerships
Independence Blue Cross, a leading health insurer in Pennsylvania, has joined forces with tango, a post-acute benefit enablement company, to expand access to crucial services delivered in the comfort of patients’ homes. This partnership leverages value-based reimbursement arrangements, signaling a shift towards rewarding quality outcomes rather than simply the volume of services provided. it’s a proactive move considering the anticipated growth in demand for in-home care over the next decade.
the principal aim of this collaboration, officially announced earlier this year, is to demonstrably lower hospital readmission rates and decrease the overall expense associated with patient care. By strategically building IBX’s network of home health providers specifically for its Medicare Advantage participants, both organizations aim to create a more seamless and efficient transition from hospital to home.
The Tango Model: Timely Access & Reduced Costs
According to Brian Lobley,CEO of tango,the core of their approach centers on swift access to home health services.”We firmly believe ensuring timely home health access directly contributes to lowering the total cost of care within a post-acute care setting,” Lobley explained.Their objective is to expedite the placement of qualified patients into skilled home health programs immediately following discharge, thus perhaps shortening recovery periods and minimizing complications.
Tango, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, functions as a managed service organization, collaborating with health plans to facilitate post-acute care for individuals enrolled in both Medicare Advantage and Medicaid programs. The company specializes in utilization management and strives to assume full financial obligation for the reimbursement agreements.
Since its initial launch in May,the partnership has undergone a period of adjustment. This phase has involved educating hospitals, providers, and home health agencies about tango’s role as the designated payment mechanism, overseeing referrals and managing claims.
“Implementing this model typically requires 60 to 90 days, roughly a quarter, to fully operationalize,” Lobley noted.”Extensive training is conducted beforehand, beginning 60 days prior to the launch, followed by ongoing retraining during the first and second quarters to ensure a smooth and direct workflow with tango.”
Did You No? Preliminary data from this program shows a remarkable 100% success rate in placing qualified IBX Medicare Advantage members with a home health agency within two days of









