#United States #Boston #Diabetes Care #Blue Cross #Verily Onduo

New Initiatives for Diabetes Management

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) has announced its commitment to enhance diabetes support to its member base. As diabetes grows more prevalent, affecting 1 in 10 Americans, the health plan recognizes the need for tailored support solutions that cater to individual needs. Dr. Sandhya Rao, the chief medical officer of BCBSMA, stated, "Diabetes can be challenging to manage, and thus, we aim to customize resources to improve health and quality of life for our members."

Introducing Improved Care Options

A significant addition to their diabetes support arsenal is the partnership with Verily Onduo, a program designed to help individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and associated conditions like hypertension. This initiative will provide BCBSMA members with access to a robust virtual care platform, featuring a dedicated application, specialized care teams, and advanced monitoring devices such as continuous glucose monitors. Verily’s chief clinical officer, Dr. Vindell Washington, expressed excitement over the personalized approach of Onduo, which focuses not just on medical conditions but on individual health journeys.

Alongside Onduo, other platforms such as Virta Health, Teladoc, and Omada will also be accessible to most BCBSMA members, allowing them to explore a range of diabetes management tools efficiently under the MyBlue portal.

New Pilot Program for Medication Adherence

In an effort to further assist its members, BCBSMA has initiated a pilot program in collaboration with Curant Health, aimed at improving medication adherence among those with diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The initiative will target select Medicare Advantage members and will provide critical feedback to refine and expand this program in the future. Patrick Dunham, CEO of Curant Health, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing the company's dedication to resolving barriers related to medication adherence, which is essential in promoting better health outcomes.

Comprehensive Member Support

Additional support provided by BCBSMA includes:

• - Dedicated Clinical Teams: Members will have access to a specialized clinical group comprising nurses and dieticians to guide them through care options tailored to their needs.
• - Pharmacy Support for Medicare Members: A dedicated team will assist Medicare Advantage members in navigating their prescription drug plans.
• - Fitness and Weight Loss Reimbursements: BCBSMA will reimburse eligible members for participating in wellness and fitness programs.
• - Free Glucose Monitors: Eligible members can receive glucose monitors at no cost, enhancing their ability to manage their diabetes effectively.

Lisa Glenn, Vice President of Network Partnerships and Innovation at BCBSMA, reiterated the organization’s commitment to making healthcare accessible and affordable. "Our expanded network and new solutions enable us to better serve members and help them reach the care they need efficiently," she stated.

A Community-Focused Health Plan

Headquartered in Boston, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a not-for-profit health plan dedicated to providing equitable and affordable healthcare solutions. The organization prides itself on being rated among the top health plans in the nation in terms of member satisfaction and quality. For more information about BCBSMA and its ongoing initiatives, members can visit their website or connect through various social media platforms.