Being overweight or obese significantly increases a person’s risk of diseases and other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. State Health Plan coverage includes several programs to assist members with weight management. The Plan also offers a heart health program and diabetes reversal program that include a weight management component to help members better manage those conditions. These programs are provided at no cost to the member.
Wondr Health
Wondr Health is a clinical behavioral weight management program focusing on weight loss and diabetes prevention. State Health Plan members, including spouses and dependent children ages 18 and older, are eligible to apply. Medicare-primary members are also eligible. Some medical conditions or body mass indexes (BMIs) might prevent a member from participating in the program.
Wondr Health teaches it’s not what you eat, but when and how you eat that will help you lose weight. Plus, participants will reduce their risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease while increasing their chances of living a longer, healthier life. The program offers an easy-to-use website, welcome kit and video coaching from clinical experts. It is a 10-week, online program that uses weekly video lessons and interactive tools to teach the behavioral skills necessary to lose weight and keep it off long-term. Each week, participants watch lessons at their convenience on their computer, or smartphone or tablet through the iPhone or Android apps. More information is available at www.wondrhealth.com/PEBA.
Health coaching
BlueCross offers health coaching to help members meet their weight management goals. The weight management program assists members ages 18 and older in helping achieve weight-loss goals through small changes made in the member’s everyday life. When members enroll, they receive information about weight management, as well as a confidential survey to help a registered nurse tailor the program to meet their needs.
BlueCross also offers weight management for kids and teens. This confidential program is for overweight and obese dependents ages 2-17. It is designed to teach children and their parents about healthy habits and help them work with their doctor on weight management. When a dependent enrolls, they receive a parent’s guide and tailored educational materials for the dependent. A personal health coach is assigned to the dependent and provides education and support to help both the parent and the dependent overcome barriers to living a healthy lifestyle.
To connect with a coach, members can call 855.838.5897 and select Option 3.
Diabetes management
Virta is a new type of diabetes care program that uses technology and nutrition counseling for weight loss to help reverse Type 2 diabetes. Participants naturally lower and control their average blood sugar (HbA1c) while also reducing or eliminating diabetes medication and losing weight. The program is available at no cost to eligible State Health Plan primary members. Learn more and apply at virtahealth.com/join/peba.
Diabetes health education through certified diabetes educators is also offered at no cost to State Health Plan primary members at a network provider. Diabetes education trains diabetics to manage their condition to avoid disease-related complications. People who receive diabetes education are more likely to use primary care and preventive services, take medications as prescribed, and control their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Members can visit a network provider for more information.
They can also work with a BlueCross health coach at no cost. The health coach can help them manage their diabetes.
Heart health
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your heart’s health. Hello Heart is an easy-to-use program that helps participants track, understand and manage their heart health from the privacy of their own phone. The Hello Heart program is available at no cost to eligible State Health Plan primary members and includes a free blood pressure monitor that connects to an app on their smartphone. Members can enroll and get started at join.helloheart.com/PEBA2.
They can also work with a BlueCross health coach at no cost. The health coach can help them better understand their heart condition and how to manage it.
Strive
State Health Plan members have access to Strive, a comprehensive solution for health and well-being engagement. Strive is designed to help members adopt easy-to maintain changes in behavior that can lower health risks.
Everyone has different health goals and needs. Members deserve better than a one-size-fits-all platform. Whether they just want to stay healthy or they need to manage certain health concerns, Strive helps them get on a path to success. With Strive, members can:
- Take a quick personal health assessment to find out their health score, a snapshot of their overall health.
- Read daily content cards based on their goals and interests.
- Monitor and log health stats, including steps, sleep and biometric values.
- Sync their personal fitness device and join group challenges. Compete with others while exploring destinations around the world using their own steps on a virtual course along with daily, weekly step challenges to keep them engaged with their friends and family.
To enroll in Strive, members log in to their My Health Toolkit account to access Strive and take the brief health survey.
Blue365 and member discounts
Blue365 is a discount program available to State Health Plan members offered by BlueCross. The program has a network of licensed acupuncturists, massage therapists and fitness clubs that can be used at lower fees, often as much as a 25% discount. Blue365 also offers discounts on health centers, weight loss and nutrition programs, wearable health-trackers and much more. For more information on Blue365 or member discounts, members log in to their My Health Toolkit account. They can also call BlueCross Customer Service at 800.868.2520.