A diabetes management program has saved Capital Blue Cross employer group customers $20 million since 2021.
The Harrisburg, Pa.-based insurer was the first in Pennsylvania to introduce a targeted program to reverse the effects of Type 2 diabetes, according to a Nov. 12 news release from Capital Blue Cross. The insurer also implemented a program to help members reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and to help members with Type 1 or 2 diabetes manage the disease.
Shelley Grant, vice president of population health at Capital Blue Cross, told Becker's the company incorporated guidance from professional medical societies and insights from brokers and employers to develop the program.
Members in the program have lost more than 66,000 pounds since 2021, according to Capital Blue Cross, and averaged a 46% reduction in prescription medications during their first year in the initiative.
"We measure success not only by improved health outcomes, but also lower costs of care," Ms. Grant said. "On the whole, our strategies have helped members lose weight, reduce A1C levels, scale back reliance on medications and save money."
In addition to saving employer plan sponsors money, members participating in the diabetes reversal program saved an average of $2,000. Members in the diabetes control program saved around $1,200.
Engagement is key to programs designed to manage chronic disease, Ms. Grant said.
"We found that easy-to-use digital offerings, alongside traditional care models, allowed users to access our resources from anywhere, which promotes stronger engagement," she said.
The approach Capital Blue Cross takes toward diabetes management could be applied to other chronic diseases, Ms. Grant said.
"We must continue to drive active partnerships with patients, their providers, and the healthcare system," she said. "It's critical to understand that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to diabetes or any type of chronic disease management won't drive sustainable improvements in health outcomes. Our approach must be adept enough to be tailored to the individual we're trying to help."