The number of Americans ages 65 and older is expected to increase to 82 million by 2050, a 47% increase from 58 million in 2022. And accessing quality healthcare is often confusing and a significant challenge for this population.
That’s what DUOS, a technology-enabled service provider for Medicare Advantage plans, hopes to change. It supports older adults and their caregivers by addressing health-related social needs and connecting patients to care. The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based company was recently crowned winner of the health tech consumer/employer track of MedCity News’ INVEST Pitch Perfect contest. Investor judges evaluated six total startups focused on care navigation and coordination.
“We don’t want people just to live longer,” said Karl Ulfers, CEO and co-founder of DUOS, in a recent interview. “We want them to have more life in the years that they actually get to experience, and so that’s why we really focus on developing technology and automating coverage for these older adults around their health related social needs. Because everybody should have the right to have transportation to get to their doctor’s appointments or get out in their community. Everybody should have the right to live in a house that’s safe.”
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When the company contracts with a health plan, it can start engaging with members via text, email and mail to inform them of this benefit and the option to join DUOS. Members can then share their top social determinants of health and care needs, such as food or transportation support. The company can then connect them with resources and providers based on their coverage, location and other needs.
Ulfers gave the example of someone who qualifies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“An older adult, through our experience, can actually not only be identified that they qualify for SNAP-EBT, but we actually will chat with them and answer questions that automatically write over the SNAP-EBT application,” he said. “And then once we explain the program to them and we get their approval, we capture their digital signature, and then in one click, we’re able to actually get their application sent off to the state or county officials, depending on where they live, and then get them connected to that SNAP-EBT benefit.”
DUOS can also aggregate member data and provide actionable insights back to the health plan client.
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One of the investor judges of the Pitch Perfect contest said he selected DUOS as winner of the competition because “family caregivers are some of the greatest unsung heroes in healthcare.”
“Any technology or service that is able to provide them with additional transparency of benefits, leverage over their time, and overall peace of mind, is sure to be a win for all healthcare stakeholders when delivered effectively,” said Derek Mazur, director at Cedar Pine, who leads healthcare investments for the firm. “DUOS appears to be unlocking this capacity.”
DUOS has raised about $30 million. Some of its investors include Forerunner Ventures and Primetime Partners.
One of its health plan clients is Humana, which DUOS announced a partnership with last year to support veteran seniors. The company has also expanded into prescription drug plans and Medicaid.
DUOS’ support is especially needed as government plans face significant changes due to federal budget cuts, according to Ulfers.
“In every sector of Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans and Medicaid, all those plans are going to change over the next couple of years, and that’s going to create an incredible amount of confusion,” he said. “We want to be that voice of simplicity and access for the older adults of this country to understand what’s changing and how they can make sure they continue to get incredible quality of care.”
Companies that offer similar services include mPulse and Cleo. However, DUOS’ primary competitor is often the health plans themselves, as many will try to provide these services on their own, Ulfers stated.
Photo: Nick Fanion, Breaking Media