Magellan Healthcare, the behavioral and specialty health care segment of managed care organization Magellan Health, has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping seniors address social determinants of health. The program is part of a broader effort in senior social support programs and is designed not only to improve physical health outcomes but also to provide emotional and social support, tackling the isolation and challenges many older adults face in today’s healthcare system.
Partnering With DOUS for Personalized Senior Support
To deliver these services, Magellan Healthcare partnered with DOUS, a New York-based digital senior assistant and support tool founded in 2020. DOUS recently closed a $15 million Series A funding round in April, reflecting growing interest in digital solutions that support aging populations. Through this partnership, seniors gain access to a personal assistant, referred to as a “Duo,” who helps coordinate resources, connect with community support, and flag behavioral health needs when necessary.
“This program is unique in how it integrates destigmatized support for social determinants of health with behavioral health services when needed,” said Dr. Alisa Bahl, chief strategy officer for Behavioral Specialty Health at Magellan Healthcare, in an interview with Behavioral Health Business.
How the “Duos” Program Works
Each member in the program is paired with a Duo, who becomes a personal point of contact. These weekly interactions allow the Duos to understand the individual needs and concerns of seniors, from arranging transportation to helping access meal programs, social activities, or home care support. When a Duo identifies more serious mental health issues—such as depression, grief, or severe isolation—they can refer the member to a behavioral health professional for timely intervention.
Currently, 1,123 members are actively participating in this program. By maintaining regular communication, the Duos help ensure that seniors do not fall through the cracks in a complex healthcare system, offering consistent support for both daily needs and emotional well-being.
Addressing Loneliness and Isolation
Loneliness among older adults has been recognized as a growing public health concern, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan, 46% of older adults reported having infrequent social contact during the pandemic. Dr. Bahl notes that social isolation often exacerbates other health challenges, including chronic illness management and mental health struggles.
“Prior to the pandemic, we were already seeing an epidemic of loneliness,” Bahl explained. “The pandemic intensified isolation, forcing many older adults to navigate the health care system and daily life on their own. By offering structured support, Duos help seniors maintain social connections, stay engaged, and access needed resources. This is exactly what senior social support programs should aim to achieve.”
The World Health Organization predicts that by 2030, one in six people globally will be aged 60 or older, highlighting the urgency of programs that address the unique challenges of aging populations.
Early Results and Pilot Program Success
Magellan and DOUS first launched a pilot program in 2021 to evaluate how personalized digital support could address seniors’ social determinants of health. The results were encouraging: the pilot achieved an 85% retention rate among participants and a 93% success rate in meeting members’ identified needs.
“We were so pleased with the outcomes that we decided to continue and expand the program,” Bahl said. “Going forward, we’ll integrate Magellan provider services, a network of externally owned providers, to offer immediate access to behavioral health support whenever necessary. This is part of a broader commitment to creating senior social support programs that are effective, personalized, and scalable.”
Magellan Healthcare’s Broader Network and Capabilities
Headquartered in Frisco, Texas, Magellan Healthcare operates an extensive network with more than 1,000 employer contracts and over 110,000 providers. This large-scale network allows the organization to implement programs like the Duos initiative efficiently and effectively, ensuring that seniors across diverse communities have access to consistent, high-quality support.
“The goal is to help seniors thrive,” Bahl said. “Whether it’s through mental health services, community engagement, or simply having someone to check in weekly, the program provides structure, companionship, and the resources needed to maintain independence and emotional well-being. It’s exactly the kind of approach that defines successful senior social support programs.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Senior Care
The Duos program represents a significant step forward in addressing social determinants of health for seniors. By combining technology, personalized support, and access to behavioral health services, Magellan Healthcare is creating a scalable model for holistic senior care.
As the aging population grows and healthcare systems face increasing pressure, programs like this could serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to improve quality of life for older adults. With an emphasis on emotional health, social engagement, and proactive support, the Duos initiative demonstrates how senior social support programs can create meaningful, lasting impact.
Conclusion
Magellan Healthcare’s collaboration with DOUS highlights an innovative approach to senior health, addressing both practical needs and emotional well-being. By tackling social isolation and providing timely behavioral health support, the program not only enhances quality of life for seniors but also sets a precedent for future efforts in holistic, person-centered care.
With over 1,100 active participants and strong pilot results, Magellan Healthcare is poised to expand its impact, showing that senior social support programs are essential for helping older adults live healthier, more connected lives.
