The combination of depression and diabetes is common and potentially
dangerous. People with depression can find it hard to make the lifestyle
changes needed to manage diabetes. If not well managed, diabetes often
leads to additional health issues, like heart, circulatory and kidney
disease. Today, Aetna (NYSE: AET)
and AbilTo are announcing a new program to help members with diabetes
combat depression and take control of their diabetes.
"More than 25 million adults suffer from diabetes. This group is twice
as likely as others to suffer from depression," said Michael Golinkoff,
Ph.D., senior advisor, Aetna Behavioral Health Operations. "Depression
increases the risk of more health problems, higher prescription drug use
and additional medical visits. If we can help members effectively manage
depression, we can help members control diabetes and have better health."
Aetna's Care Management teams identify eligible members and invite them
to join AbilTo's Diabetes Forum. The program began in June for members
in Aetna's commercial self-insured and fully insured medical plans in
the following states:
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Arizona
-
Connecticut
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Florida
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Georgia
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New Jersey
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New York
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Ohio
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Pennsylvania
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Texas
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Virginia
During the eight-week program, members meet with a therapist who helps
them address the emotional challenges that come with diabetes. They also
have a behavioral coach who helps them make healthier lifestyle choices.
Members meet with the same therapists and coaches throughout their
programs. Sessions can be conducted by telephone or video conferencing.
Aetna and AbilTo will measure the Diabetes Forum's effectiveness at
lowering rates of depression and health care costs. The program expands
on Aetna's success with AbilTo's Cardiac Health Forum that was launched
in 2011. The cardiac program helps members manage depression, anxiety
and stress after a heart attack or other major heart-related event.
Early results show that, on average, graduates of the cardiac program
experience a 75 percent drop in depression.
"Our proven, evidence-based approach has already been used to help many
individuals manage depression and improve their overall health," said
Michael Laskoff, CEO of AbilTo. "We remain committed to working with
Aetna to bringing even greater health care innovation to its members."