Priority Health only health plan statewide to offer Diabetes Prevention Program as preventive benefit

(Grand Rapids, Mich. - Nov. 28, 2016) More than one million Michigan residents have diabetes, and one in three is at risk for prediabetes¹.

Priority Health is the only health plan in the state to offer Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to its members^* as a preventive benefit. This nationally acclaimed program is proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent.

"Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease in the nation, impacting our family members, neighbors and our friends," said John Fox, M.D., associate vice president, medical affairs at Priority Health. "As a leading health plan in Michigan, our prevention efforts play a role in helping our members avoid diabetes and its devastating consequences."

Priority Health partners with community organizations to provide awareness and access for members to attend a nationally-recognized diabetes prevention program (DPP). DPP is a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-recognized lifestyle change program for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes that 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.

Since launching in Michigan in 2013, the program has grown to serve over 950 Priority Health members at more than 125 locations across the state. Sixty-five percent of participants have met their weight loss goals, and of those, 43 percent have exceeded them.

"Priority Health works very closely with our provider partners as well as our members to identify and alert those who display risk factors of type 2 diabetes and encourage them to enroll in DPP," said Kandi Jezak, senior clinical program manager at Priority Health. "I’ve heard countless stories from members who have gone through the program and have experienced significant changes in their health. This program is a perfect example of how Priority Health is committed to improving the health and lives of our members and the community."

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. 

¹ The Diabetes Burden Report and the Michigan Diabetes Action Plan
^*including group employer, MyPriority and Medicare members