Beam, a company that makes a "smart toothbrush," has
The company, which had partnered with an insurance carrier to offer a subscription to its internet-connected device, now has launched a full-fledged insurance product leveraging the data from the connected device.
The new initiative, SmartPremium, launched this week in California and will expand to other states later this year, the company said. Through "brush-driven underwriting," members will be rewarded by way of points toward their 'Beam score' as their brushing behavior improves. A higher Beam score can lower renewal prices or increase coverage. Participants will receive a mobile-connected electric toothbrush and quarterly shipments of toothpaste, floss and replacement heads. National Guardian Life Insurance Company is underwriting the program.
The insurer is also using technology to create a better customer experience, improving its online enrollment portal, digital insurance card and mobile dentist search tool.
"Beam has been refining the Beam brush and its member experience to improve the oral hygiene habits of brush users. Now, it is leveraging its ability to significantly increase brushing behavior to improve outcomes and provide additional value to members," the company said, in a statement. "This results in savings for beam’s clients, and will eventually lead to more customizable plans to meet the specific needs of certain groups."
