EmblemHealth Partners with Dr. Dean Ornish For First-of-Its-Kind Cognition and Brain Health Program

NEW YORK, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EmblemHealth, one of the largest not-for-profit health insurers in the United States, has launched a groundbreaking partnership with Dr. Dean Ornish, M.D., a preeminent physician and researcher best known for demonstrating – for the first time – that lifestyle changes can often reverse the progression of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

EmblemHealth will be the first health insurer to cover Dr. Ornish's lifestyle medicine program for patients who have early-stage Alzheimer's disease. 

This innovative collaboration aims to support members living with Alzheimer's Disease and cognitive impairment through his model of lifestyle medicine. Specifically, this program leverages EmblemHealth's provider group, Advantage Care Physicians (ACPNY), to implement a comprehensive lifestyle medicine program aimed at enhancing brain health and providing crucial support for caregivers. EmblemHealth's Neighborhood Care is also available to provide additional resources for enrollees.

Dr. Ornish's research has demonstrated through a randomized controlled clinical trial that an intensive lifestyle intervention significantly enhances brain health outcomes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.

"Alzheimer's Disease is a serious, progressive condition with very few treatment options, robbing patients of memory and quality of life," remarked Dr. Dan Knecht, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at EmblemHealth. "We are inspired by Dr Ornish's results and anticipate the implementation of this program will positively affect the lives of its participants, fostering improved health and well-being."

"Partnering with a leading insurer such as EmblemHealth provides access to invaluable resources," stated Dr. Dean Ornish, founder and president of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute. "Bringing this program to seniors through a leading physician group and a mature community support system makes it possible to achieve groundbreaking results."

Potentially eligible EmblemHealth members will be screened by the ACPNY primary care physicians and enrolled in the program through a coverage with evidence development pathway. The clinically validated program is comprehensive including biweekly classes, offered online. Individuals are also offered in-person classes at our Neighborhood Care centers. Participants will engage in a program that provides clinical, emotional and food support, and the following activities:

• Enjoy nutritious, whole food, plant-based meals and snacks while learning efficient methods for preparing these dishes at home.
• Be guided on daily moderate exercise for enhanced vitality.
• Learn effective techniques designed to promote relaxation and mitigate stress.
• Receive coaching support in a small support group, supported by a team of specialists.

Potentially eligible EmblemHealth members will be screened by ACPNY primary care physicians and enrolled in the program, akin to coverage with evidence development. This innovative program reflects EmblemHealth's commitment to reducing barriers to care and promoting holistic, community-based care models. By partnering with Dr. Dean Ornish, EmblemHealth is pioneering a new approach to support patients with Alzheimer's Disease, offering new hope and empathy to those affected by this serious condition.

About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth is one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health insurers, serving members across New York's diverse communities with a full range of commercial and government-sponsored health insurance plans for employers, individuals, and families. With a commitment to value-based care, EmblemHealth partners with top hospitals and doctors, including its AdvantageCare Physicians, to deliver quality, affordable, convenient care. At more than a dozen EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care locations, members and nonmembers can receive community-based health and wellness guidance and resources. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com. 

About AdvantageCare Physicians
AdvantageCare Physicians, one of the largest primary and specialty care practices in the New York area, provides quality, personalized care that is focused on the whole patient. With 30+ medical offices across the five boroughs and Long Island, serving more than half a million patients. AdvantageCare Physicians takes a team-based approach to care where physicians work with nurses, social workers, nutritionists, behavioral health specialists, and other professionals. Visit acpny.com to learn more.

SOURCE EmblemHealth