Priority Health offers new digital tool for diabetes prevention
(Grand Rapids, Mich. – Nov. 6, 2018) November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, an opportunity to bring awareness to a disease that impacts one in nine Michigan residents1 while also drawing attention to the solutions available to help those impacted better manage or prevent the disease.
Priority Health members are now able to access the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) through their computers or mobile device. DPP is a nationally acclaimed program proven to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent2. The new online option is in addition to the in-person classes Priority Health has offered to members for the past four years, both of which are free* for most members.
“Expanding access to the Diabetes Prevention Program to a digital platform furthers our commitment to Priority Health’s diabetes prevention efforts,” said John Fox, M.D., associate chief medical officer at Priority Health. “Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Michigan1 so our prevention solutions like DPP must be easily accessible if we are to help our members avoid diabetes and its devastating consequences.”
Priority Health was the first health plan in the state to offer DPP as a preventive benefit and is the first to offer the online course through Omada Health. DPP is a Center for Disease Control (CDC), evidence-based lifestyle change program for individuals who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Participation in this program is proven to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The year-long program focuses on two lifestyle change goals: increasing physical activity and weight loss.
Members can access the program through Omada Health via computer, smartphone or tablet. The format of the program allows participants to access content when and where they need it most. The program includes supportive, personalized health coaching, peer support groups and easy-to-use digital tools that help members track their success, like a wireless smart scale and interactive weekly lessons to engage and empower members to improve their health.
In addition to DPP, Priority Health offers other solutions to help members and employers address diabetes, including care management, with certified diabetes educators available to work directly with members on managing their diabetes. Priority Health also provides employer solutions such as a diabetes services and supplies rider which helps members save on the purchase of durable medical equipment and education services. Additionally, Priority Health offers wellbeing programs that deliver a personalized experience for each member, including classes and health coaching which can help members manage chronic conditions like diabetes.
To find out more visit priorityhealth.com/prevent-diabetes or call the customer service number on the back of your Priority Health member ID card.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.
2 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/prediabetes-type2/preventing.html
*Free to most members of Priority Health group, MyPriority and Medicare plans (Medicare members are eligible for in-person classes only). Some employer groups may apply a small preventive copay.