Sunshine Health Distributes 1,500 Smartphones Statewide to Increase Connectivity Between Patients and Healthcare Providers

Date: 10/27/20

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Research shows effective communication between doctors and patients results in better health outcomes. However, a lack of connectivity to patients during the COVID-19 crisis has posed challenges for healthcare providers and patients. To support an increase in virtual care during the pandemic, Sunshine Health is distributing 1,500 Samsung smartphones to those in need throughout Florida. Service is free of charge to recipients for the next three months upon activation of the device.

Sunshine Health is partnering with seven provider groups to distribute the smartphones to the patients who need them to gain access to healthcare services, such as telehealth visits and coordination of prescription deliveries. Phone recipients do not have to be Sunshine Health members.

“Our core purpose is transforming health of the community, one person at a time,” said Liz Miller, CEO of Centene’s Florida health plans. “Providing these phones to anyone in need, not just exclusively our members, increases access to care for Florida’s most vulnerable populations.”

At the end of the 90-day activation period, recipients can either return the device or choose to keep it for continued service through their own mobile carrier.

“These phones are a game changer,” said Duenna Dorsett, Vice President of Provider Engagement for Sunshine Health. “They will improve the quality of life for so many individuals who do not have the adequate access to the care they need.”

Sunshine Health obtained the smartphones as part of a larger purchase made by Centene Corporation from Samsung. Centene distributed 16,000 smartphones to state health plans across the country. Read more about that initiative.