Independence Blue Cross: Two New Connections Programs
Connections targets heart disease and diabetes prevention with two new programs
Independence Blue Cross recently added two new programs to our award-winning ConnectionsSM
Health Management Programs making them even more valuable for customers. The Cardiometabolic
Risk (CMR) and Medication Persistence programs will help us reach and improve the
quality of life for members with heart disease and diabetes.
The new programs
The CMR program focuses on members at risk of developing Cardiometabolic syndrome,
which may increase a person's chance of developing heart disease and diabetes. The
program teaches members about their varying symptoms of heart disease and diabetes
and the behavior and lifestyle changes that may help prevent these diseases and
help them lead healthier lives.
The Cardiometabolic risk factors that increase a person's overall chance of developing
heart disease and diabetes include: smoking, high body mass index, obesity, high
cholesterol, and high blood pressure. IBC members who are identified with these
symptoms are eligible for the program. Based on the severity of their condition,
a member who smokes or is overweight may also be invited to join an intensive weight
management or smoking cessation program to help them better manage the condition.
The Medication Persistence program is designed for members who are not consistently
taking certain prescribed medications for coronary heart disease, heart failure,
diabetes, and hypertension. Health Coaches will work with these members to discover
any barriers they may be facing that keep them from taking the proper medication
at the proper dosage on a regular basis.
Prevention is key
The addition of the new programs comes at the right time. With the national focus
on ways to save on health care spending, disease prevention is receiving more and
more attention as a key to lowering medical costs. According to the Center for Disease
Control and Prevention, care for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and
heart disease account for 75 percent of medical care costs in the United States.
"Chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are very costly, not only
to those who have them, but to all of us," said Dr. Es Nash, senior medical director
at IBC. "These diseases may be preventable and are treatable. We must encourage
our members to receive proper treatment, and remain consistent with their medications
in order to avoid complications or relapses of their condition. We strive to help
our members get on the path to healthier lifestyles now, in the hope that they will
lessen their chance of developing, or worsening, serious and costly health conditions."
Connections helps members make better health care decisions
Connections is a valuable resource for our members. The support of Health Coaches
allows members to be proactive with their health situations and helps them make
more informed decisions about their course of health care action. A recent member
satisfaction survey showed that 88 percent of IBC members with a chronic condition,
and 95 percent of non-chronic members, report being "Very satisfied" or "Satisfied"
with their Health Coach experience, and 90 percent said they would recommend their
health plan to family and friends.
Read the recent press release about IBC's expanded preventive health efforts.
For more information, please contact your IBC account executive.
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