IBM (NYSE:IBM) is collaborating with a group of major players in the healthcare space to improve the way sensitive data is shared and make health claims and transactions more efficient – all in the form of a "blockchain-based ecosystem."
Announced today, Big Blue is joined in this effort by Aetna (NYSE:AET) (acquired last November by pharmacy and health plan provider CVS Health (NYSE:CVS)), health plan provider Anthem (NYSE:ANTM), Health Care Service Corporation (the largest customer-owned health insurance provider in the U.S.) and PNC Bank. These providers combined account for close to 100 million healthcare plans.
IBM said additional members will join the Health Utility Network in the coming months, including other health organizations, healthcare providers, startups, and technology companies.