Offer Programs as a Covered Benefit
Why Offer CDC-Recognized Lifestyle Change Programs as a Covered Benefit?
Many insurance companies offer diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs as a covered benefit in their insurance plans because they are backed by science and really work.
And providing coverage for the program matters. In addition to making the program more accessible and affordable for employees or members, one study found that lifestyle change program participants who received coverage for the program through their health insurance plan achieved slightly better outcomes in attendance and average weight loss than did those who paid out of pocket or through a grant.
Through hundreds of in-person programs—and online options—CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs are available to cover all of your employees and participants—in all 50 states. Each week, more programs come on board, making it easier for people to access them. To see a full list of programs, go to Registry of Recognized Organizations.
Talk to your carrier and local program providers about options for delivering the program. In some cases, trained coaches can come to your workplace to host sessions. If you also want to offer a worksite program, visit Implement a Lifestyle Change Program to learn more.
“Florida Blue covers the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program for members in select markets. This partnership allows us to offer a proven program backed by a strong, sustainable business model.” – Lisa Peacock, Director of Healthy Living Innovations: Chronic Disease Prevention, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, Jacksonville, FL.
Employers
Talk to your insurance carrier at your next review of benefits about adding CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs as part of your total benefits package.
For more information about local program providers, visit Find a Program.
Insurers
Employers are eager to hear that insurers have new strategies to address the rising costs of prediabetes and diabetes. Offer this program at the next review of benefits.
Sources
Vojta D, Koehler TB, Longjohn M, Lever JA, Caputo NF. A Coordinated National Model for Diabetes Prevention Linking Health Systems to an Evidence-Based Community Program. Am J Prev Med 2013;44(4S4):S301–S306. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23498291.
- Page last reviewed: January 14, 2016
- Page last updated: January 14, 2016
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