New Diabetes Prevention Program Now Available to Blue Shield of California Members

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Jan 31, 2017, 15:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California members now have access to Solera Health's nationwide network of Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPP) to empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The program is available at no cost to those who are enrolled in Blue Shield's commercial health plans and includes lifestyle coaching and weekly courses on nutrition, exercise and stress management to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some courses meet in person at community locations, while others are done entirely online through Solera's network of digital DPP providers.

Blue Shield members can be referred by a physician, but can also enroll in any program after completing a risk assessment at Solera4me.com.

The program is part of the evidence-based National Diabetes Prevention Program – a partnership of public and private organizations working to reduce the growing problem of diabetes led by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Diabetes is one of the most common and costly chronic health conditions in the United States," said Marcus Thygeson, M.D., M.P.H., senior vice president and chief health officer. "The good news is that it is preventable. Working with Solera, we are providing our members with services and tools to proactively prevent diabetes, and other chronic conditions, through effective diet and lifestyle management."

According to the California Department of Public Health, more than 1.9 million California adults are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, representing one out of every 15. Medical costs for people with diabetes average 2.3 times higher than those without diabetes, according to the CDC.

"We're thrilled to bring Solera's technology for selecting the 'best fit' Diabetes Prevention Program to Blue Shield of California members who are at risk for type 2 diabetes or chronic conditions," said Brenda Schmidt, CEO of Solera Health. "Through our network of over 1,000 CDC-recognized DPPs, Blue Shield members now have the ability to find the best program to help them take control of their health and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and related illness."

The DPP is the latest clinically-validated service provided by Wellvolution^®, Blue Shield's industry-leading wellness solution that provides tools and resources to encourage healthy living to those who are enrolled in Blue Shield commercial health plans. The comprehensive Wellvolution^® suite also includes access to Walkadoo^®, QuitNet^®, Daily Challenge^®, and the Ornish Reversal Program.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $13 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company's mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield has contributed more than $450 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com.

About Solera Health
Solera Health is a chronic disease prevention and management integrator that connects patients, payers, and physicians with a new class of non-clinical healthcare providers, simply and securely. Solera helps consolidate highly fragmented programs and services into one integrated network, allowing health plans and medical providers to increase consumer participation while lowering associated costs. Solera proactively identifies the "best fit" program provider based on each individual's unique needs and preferences, which has proven to have a significant impact on improved patient outcomes at a fraction of the cost of traditional medical care. For more information, please visit: www.soleranetwork.com.

CONTACT: Clinton McGue
Corporate Communications
415-229-5359
[email protected]

SOURCE Blue Shield of California