From personalized behavioral counseling to real-time glucose monitoring, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is supporting the prevention and management of diabetes with new digital solutions for large customers whose benefit plans are administered by Blue Cross. Starting January 1, 2019, Blue Cross will partner with Livongo [livongo.com] and Omada Health [omadahealth.com], two digital health leaders, on programs designed to help prevent diabetes for those at risk and better manage diabetes for those living with the disease.
“Type 2 diabetes is a preventable chronic disease that has a significant impact on the health of our population and is a major health cost driver for our large self-funded customers,” said Dr. Aaron Friedkin, vice president of Clinical Strategies at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Omada’s and Livongo’s innovative solutions utilize behavioral science and technology to engage and empower members to prevent and manage this complex condition."
There are over one million people living with diabetes in Michigan and an additional 2.6 million with prediabetes. Nationally, Type 2 diabetes is the fifth most prominent chronic condition affecting 5.5 percent of commercially-insured Blue Cross members, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Health Index [bcbs.com]. In fact, 50 percent of U.S. adults are affected by an obesity-related chronic disease, which can include prediabetes, diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.
Though many programs target the symptoms of these diseases, they often neglect the underlying behaviors contributing to the condition. As the largest diabetes prevention program with full recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Omada will provide eligible Blue Cross members with evidence-based, intensive behavioral counseling through a remote, digital delivery system. Over the course of a year-long program, with an intensive 16-week foundational phase, participants learn to apply small, sustainable changes related to eating habits, activity, sleep and stress via interactive learning sessions, resources and support to successfully maintain these behaviors long-term. Members receive a customized experience by leveraging smart technology, peer group accountability, and tailored content and coaching, as well as personalized feedback throughout the program.
"Blue Cross is dedicated to curbing the rise of Type 2 diabetes among its members and understands the best treatment for chronic disease is a commitment to prevention," said Sean Duffy, CEO and co-founder of Omada Health. “By making the Omada Program an available benefit, Blue Cross is providing self-funded employers with access to the resources needed to stem the tide of chronic disease within their workforce locally and nationwide.”
To support proper diabetes management, which is critical to preventing further health complications, Livongo’s program offers personalized data and insights derived from a smart blood glucose meter, real-time support and unlimited testing supplies shipped directly to the member. Support is provided from coaches certified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators and is available 24 hours a day by phone, text, email or on the Livongo mobile app. Members receive a call or text from a coach within minutes of a high or low blood glucose reading to provide support when it’s needed most. Personalized messages offer insights based on a member’s current and past readings, so they can make more informed decisions regarding their diabetes management. A smart blood glucose meter makes it easy to share data and analytics with family and providers to ensure the most effective, connected care possible.
“We’re proud to work with Blue Cross to help people living with chronic conditions more effectively manage their care and improve health outcomes,” said Glen Tullman, CEO of Livongo. "Through this partnership, self-funded employers have seamless access to the resources and tools needed to empower their employees to live better and healthier lives."
Blue Cross makes it easy for self-funded customers to offer these programs to their employees by contracting with both partners directly, handling all eligibility information and administering program costs as preventive claims. This benefit structure prevents additional invoices for customers and out-of-pocket costs for members. To opt-in for either program or for more information, self-funded customers are encouraged to call their Blue Cross sales representative or agent.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.6 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. In 2018, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan received the J.D. Power Award for “Highest Member Satisfaction Among Commercial Health Plans in Michigan.” For more company information, visit bcbsm.com [bcbsm.com] or mibluesperspectives.com [mibluesperspectives.com].
About Livongo
Livongo empowers people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives. We make it easier for people to stay healthy, starting with our diabetes prevention, and diabetes and hypertension offerings, by driving behavior change through the combination of consumer health technology, personalized recommendations, and real-time support at the point of impact. Powered by advanced data science, we create personalized experiences for our members, so they receive the right information, tools, and support, at the right time. Our approach is leading to better clinical and financial outcomes while creating a better experience for people with chronic conditions and their care team of family, friends, and medical professionals. For more information, visit: www.livongo.com [livongo.com].
About Omada Health
Omada Health is a digital behavioral medicine company that inspires and enables people at risk for, and with, chronic conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes, to build sustainable habits that improve their health. The company is the largest CDC-recognized provider of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and since its founding, has enrolled more than 185,000 participants. Omada's program combines proven behavioral science, the power of professional health coaches and peer groups, connected technology, and world-class design to deliver clinically-meaningful results. Omada Health was named a 2016 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, and one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2017. To learn more, visit www.omadahealth.com [omadahealth.com].
