Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies Partner with Onduo on Three State Pilot Programs to Address Diabetes

CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has partnered with Onduo, a new diabetes management company created by Verily (an Alphabet Company) and Sanofi, on a pilot program that will provide eligible members with access to personalized and convenient diabetes care. The pilot is designed to measure type 2 diabetes outcomes including those relating to clinical improvement, cost and member experience. Pilots will begin in the first quarter of 2018 in Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina with select Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) members who are eligible.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have a long history of bringing locally tailored, innovative programs to the communities we serve," said Jody Voss, vice president of development, innovation and the group purchasing organization for BCBSA. "We are pleased to be able to continue this tradition by partnering with Onduo on a new diabetes management program that will help eligible members better manage their type 2 diabetes."

The Onduo platform integrates hardware and software to provide people with access to personalized, convenient diabetes care. Participating BCBS members will be matched to the clinically appropriate interventions including wirelessly-connected continuous glucose monitoring devices, lifestyle support, medication review and a team of Onduo health care experts. In collaboration with the members' local BCBS network doctor, the program aims to provide care and support to members when and where they want it. In this way, the Onduo platform will extend physicians' support by providing guidance and continuous support to members between doctor visits.

"My experience as a physician led to an understanding of the importance of both supporting the patient at the time of a visit as well providing individualized support throughout the year," said Josh Riff, CEO of Onduo. "Onduo's goal is to increase access to solid, evidence-based interventions in a personalized manner. Managing diabetes is a 24/7 job that we want to make easier for members. We are thrilled to partner with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association to help members receive the support and care they need to become healthier."

Diabetes ranks third nationally for its impact on the quality of life and cost for the commercially insured population among more than 200 common diseases and health conditions, according to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Index. The "health impact" of a specific condition reflects the prevalence and severity of that condition as well as the years of life lost due to disability and risk of premature death.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videoson YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

About Onduo
Onduo is a joint venture created by Verily (an Alphabet company) and Sanofi that makes high quality diabetes care more personalized, accessible and affordable ? with the overall ambition to make people with type-2 diabetes live their best lives.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association