Type 2 Diabetes Patients Benefit from Capital Blue Cross Program

After engaging in a free program provided by Capital Blue Cross (Capital), type 2 diabetes patients experienced a variety of health improvements along with noticeable financial benefits, according to a press release that HealthPayerIntelligence received by email.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 37 million people in the US have diabetes, accounting for 11 percent of the population. The CDC also noted that about 1 in 3 Americans will develop diabetes at some point during life.

However, in 2021, Capital  began providing a program that aimed to lessen the effects of type 2 diabetes. Along with this, the insurer launched a program that aimed to lessen the risk of developing the disease, while helping those with the disease handle its effects.

According to a Capital update released earlier this month, the program has led to various positive effects.

The patient population engaged in the program lost a total of 26,000 pounds in 2022. They also experienced reductions in A1c levels in the initial 90 days of using the program. Also during this period, beneficiaries experienced a 45 percent reduction in prescription medications. 

Aside from health benefits, financial improvements were also apparent. In total, Capital beneficiaries saved almost $6 million. According to the press release, diabetes care costs the US up to $330 billion annually, making this result highly appealing.

Capital’s press release also made note of its other offerings for those with diabetes. These included communication with high-risk members and the provision of care management, a diabetes presentation, an awareness toolkit, and a lifestyle guidance course known as Take Charge.

Prior instances of increased interventions for members with chronic diseases have led to positive effects.

For example, a report from Manatt Health released in February described how a Montana Medicaid expansion policy led to higher use of preventative care services along with improved Medicaid spending.

This expansion policy was initially made effective in 2016. Although Medicaid coverage supports a high number of wellness exams, cancer screenings, dental visits, and more, this policy led to a lower need for emergency care.

“In turn, we see declining ER use for common illnesses over years of enrollment. And this year, we also found lower inpatient and ER costs accompanied by higher use of outpatient care and pharmacy over the time people are enrolled in Medicaid. The program is doing exactly what it was designed to do,” said Aaron Wernham, MD, chief executive officer of Montana Healthcare Foundation, in a press release.