Blue Cross Expands Diabetes Management Program to Whole-Person Health Solutions
Amy Barczy
| 3 min read
Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored content at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to her time at Blue Cross from 2019-2024, she was a statewide news reporter for MLive.com. She has a decade of storytelling experience in local news media markets including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Port Huron.
Employers now have the option to offer their employees living with diabetes, prediabetes and hypertension more comprehensive condition management in a single, integrated program, through expanded offerings from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in partnership with Livongo by Teladoc Health. Since 2019 Blue Cross has found success with diabetes prevention and management through Livongo as members in the program have been able to lower their blood sugar levels. The diabetes management solution offers a turn-key digital solution to group customers to allow employees to better manage their chronic conditions. Livongo was recently acquired by Teladoc Health, a global leader in virtual care. Members enjoy the easy access they have to data on their own health. One customer said about their experience with the Livongo digital tools: “Love it. Easy to use and I have my numbers at my fingertips so I know how I am doing on a daily basis.” Blue Cross is expanding the program offerings through Livongo by Teladoc Health to do more than help individuals manage diabetes. Now, the program will help individuals with diabetes, prediabetes and hypertension, and will assist and guide members through every step of their health care journey– including mental health.
How it works
Members in the Livongo by Teladoc Health program have equipment delivered straight to their doorstep to allow them to track their blood glucose, weight, and blood pressure at home. The data collected through at-home monitoring is also available online with graphs and insights to empower members to take control and share their data with their primary care providers. This gives members the information they need to have more informed, meaningful conversations with their doctors. Additionally, members in the program have access to 24/7, 365 care and support, as well as the ability to contact coaches by phone, text message and mobile app. Certified educators are also available for live interventions. The program is designed to help members make small, sustainable changes.
What’s new for employers
Beginning July 1, Blue Cross will begin offering new whole-person health support programs to employers to add to their employee benefit package for individuals with prediabetes, diabetes and hypertension. These optional benefits are available to self-funded group customers and are offered at no cost to their members. The programs offer digital tools to help members with the following:
- Individuals with diabetes: diabetes management, hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight management, behavioral health
- Individuals with prediabetes: diabetes prevention, hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight management, behavioral health
- Individuals with hypertension: hypertension, dyslipidemia, weight management, behavioral health
Proven results
The Livongo diabetes management program has had proven results in helping Blue Cross members manage their diabetes since 2019. From 2019 to 2021, 12,980 members enrolled in the program from 131 customer groups. Many have type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes. Members enrolled with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of above 7% saw a decrease of 1.09pt in their HbA1c. HbA1c is the average level of blood sugar over the past two to three months. This reduction reduces their risk of complications from diabetes, including:
- 21% less likely to die from diabetes
- 14% less likely to have a heart attack
- 43% less likely to have peripheral vascular disease
If you’re interested in learning more about offering these diabetes and hypertension solutions to your employees, contact your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan representative or sales agent for more information. More from MIBluesPerspectives:
- Help Your Employees Prevent and Better Manage Diabetes
- Prediabetes 101: What You Should Know
- Top 5 Myths About Diabetes
Photo credit: Getty Images
