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COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE WIN-WIN ON HEALTH OUTCOMES AND SAVINGSComptroller Kevin Lembo today announced the launch of a diabetes management program through the state health plan aimed at reducing acute emergencies and long-term complications related to chronic conditions while delivering an estimated annual savings to the state of approximately $3 million.
More than 500 people have already signed up for the program during a two-week soft launch period, and more are enrolling each week.
The program, launched in partnership with CVS Caremark and Livongo, is projected to significantly improve health care outcomes for thousands of people with diabetes covered by the state plan by providing them with comprehensive around-the-clock live coaching and support through cellular-enabled diabetes management devices with remote monitoring capabilities.
As state comptroller, Lembo is the administrator of the state health plan, which serves more than 250,000 state and municipal employees, retirees and their dependents. This diabetes management program is the latest cross-sector partnership that seeks to enhance the efficiency of the state plan by helping members to better manage chronic conditions.
“Our goal is to give workers and their families every chance of success to live safe and healthy lives,” Comptroller Lembo said. “There are more than 15,000 people covered by the state plan living with diabetes who are at risk of completely avoidable dangerous complications – including emergency care for hyperglycemic episodes, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, ketoacidosis and eye and skin problems and infections. This program is about avoiding the avoidable through smarter health care.”
As Connecticut continues to respond to a global pandemic, Lembo said the need for preventative measures to better manage chronic conditions is more necessary than ever.
“Those with chronic conditions are not more likely to be infected with COVID-19 – but they are at greater risk of complications if they get it,” Lembo said. “The launch of this program comes at a critical time when the need to provide access to quality and preventive care for chronic conditions is especially clear.”
The Livongo diabetes management program and devices will allow members to monitor their conditions, receive Health Nudges™, and 24/7 access to digital and telehealth coaching, all from the safety of their homes. The program is modeled after similar efforts that have a proven track record of success. A Journal of Medical Economics study found that the Livongo for Diabetes program delivered an $88 per member monthly reduction in medical spending and that clients experienced a positive return on investment in one year.
“Livongo’s partnership with the State of Connecticut is a great example of the growing adoption of our Applied Health Signals platform to empower people with chronic conditions to live healthier at both the State and Federal levels,” said Livongo Chief Executive Officer Zane Burke. “Remote Monitoring is an important innovation during these challenging times and offers an extra level of care to keep people healthy, at-home, and out of harm’s way.”
“Helping our clients lower their pharmacy costs is our top priority. To achieve this, we offer care management programs that enable clients to holistically address the needs of their employees through high-quality and personalized solutions – particularly those with chronic conditions,” said Alan Lotvin, MD, President of CVS Caremark. “We commend the State of Connecticut for prioritizing the health and well-being of their employees during these difficult times and look forward to helping those living with diabetes access more personalized care.”
The program is designed to provide several benefits to plan members and the state by:
- Providing more supportive, successful preventative care to members at no cost to them that results in better health care outcomes;
- Addressing the state’s top pharmacy cost category (diabetes medication and supplies);
- Expanding on the state’s HEP (Health Enhancement Program philosophy) of delivering more quality and smarter preventive care;
- Enhancing physician and member dialogue;
- Providing ongoing support for people with diabetes to bridge the gap between members’ everyday lives and the physician’s office; and
- Operating the state plan more efficiently and achieving potential annual savings of $3 million.
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