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HARRISBURG - Capital Blue Cross’ convenient diabetes-management programs have helped the insurer’s customers lose tens of thousands of pounds, reduce their reliance on prescriptions, lower their blood sugar, and collectively save more than $20 million since 2021.
Three years ago, Capital became the first Pennsylvania health insurer to offer a unique program that works to reverse the effects of type 2 diabetes. Capital also began offering a separate program that helps members reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and helps those with types 1 or 2 diabetes manage their disease. These programs are free to members whose plans include them.
“Some 135 million Americans either have or are at risk of developing diabetes, and Capital Blue Cross goes the extra mile to give our members a variety of accessible tools to battle the disease,” said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Capital Blue Cross Chief Medical Officer. “These positive outcomes reflect Capital’s commitment to fight and prevent diabetes as effectively and affordably as possible.”
Capital’s efforts to combat the diabetes epidemic have been tremendously effective:
- Capital members using the programs have lost more than 66,000 pounds since the program started in 2021.
- Capital members have averaged a roughly 46% reduction in prescription medications in their first year using the diabetes reversal strategy.
- The programs have helped Capital employer group customers save more than $20 million, and members have enjoyed substantial savings. In 2023, for instance, the diabetes reversal program saved the average engaged member more than $2,000, while the diabetes control program saved nearly $1,200.
- Members using the diabetes reversal program dropped their A1c levels about one full point on average over their first year in the program. Higher A1c levels are linked to diabetes complications.
More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and an additional 98 million U.S. adults are at high risk of developing it. The economic toll of diabetes is about $412.9 billion, according to the American Diabetes Association, making the disease the most expensive chronic condition in the United States.
Lifestyle changes and positive self-care can help people effectively avoid, manage, or in some cases – as Capital’s successful program illustrates – even reverse their Type 2 diabetes.
In addition to the disease-management and reversal programs, Capital offers a broad range of proven resources and support to help control diabetes and encourage healthier choices to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Capital reaches out to high-risk members with diabetes to provide care management opportunities and offers multiple programs to employer groups, including a diabetes presentation, an awareness toolkit, and other offerings like our Healthy Blue Rewards (HBR) program. The HBR program and app offer members a highly personalized experience, guiding them to the “next right thing” for their health, and allowing them to take advantage of online tools and challenges to help stay motivated.
For those who want a more personalized experience, Capital offers one-on-one consultations at any of our five Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers.
About Capital Blue Cross
Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind and promote health and wellness for our members. We focus on simplifying and personalizing the healthcare experience and using innovative solutions – including patient-focused care models, actionable data, and digital health technologies – to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.