Scholle IPN employees and family members living with diabetes receive a tremendous benefit through the Abacus Health Solutions (Abacus) Diabetes Care Rewards Program. The program provides a private and confidential support service that helps members with diabetes more effectively manage their condition. The results are better health and lower costs for participants and the company.
Diabetes is a very serious disease, and when not properly managed, it can lead to severe and life-threatening complications such as blindness, amputation, kidney damage and heart disease. Diabetes, and other chronic conditions, are a significant cost driver of employers’ healthcare costs. The American Diabetes Association reports that people with diagnosed diabetes account for 1 in 4 healthcare dollars in the U.S.
“There are well established guidelines for diabetes care, but we know ongoing engagement in preventative care is a big issue today,” said Ed Aberger, Ph.D., EVP of Abacus. “Members who are active in managing their condition with care provided by their own primary care doctors are much less likely to have adverse events and be hospitalized. By engaging members with their own doctors, we are also able to address both complications and comorbidities (other illnesses a patient has in addition to diabetes) as part of a comprehensive patient-centered evaluation.”
Bryan Karetny, the Benefits Consultant for Scholle IPN with Marsh & McLennan Agency who recommended the Abacus Program, notes, “The cost of necessary diabetes maintenance medications, like insulin, creates a barrier to adherence. The Program promotes adherence to diabetes medications and supplies by removing the copayments for those members who are active in the Program. Members provide very positive feedback about the additional education, guidance, communications and incentives offered through the Program.”
Over the three years the Program has been in place, Abacus has successfully engaged over 40% of the members with diabetes, nearly tripling national averages for participation in a disease management program. Program participants have had significant improvements in their Hemoglobin A1c, a key clinical measure for diabetes that demonstrates blood sugar control. Claim costs for the overall population of members with diabetes on the company’s self-insured health plan, not just those participating in the Program, now are 30% less than before the Program started.
About Scholle IPN
At Scholle IPN, performance and better packaging is our promise. We make your products safe and accessible while minimizing waste and extending shelf life. Our engineering teams apply their expertise and passion for packing to work on your issue to deliver a solution that is 100% right for you. And our service groups makes sure you’re up and running quickly (and stay that way). www.scholleipn.com
About J Smith Lanier, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company
As one of the oldest insurance brokerage firms in the United States, J. Smith Lanier & Co., a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, leads the industry through unparalleled specialization in the management of business, alternative risk, employee benefits, and personal insurance needs.
Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC is a subsidiary of Marsh established in 2008 to serve as a platform for the middle market. In 2015, it expanded its national footprint into Canada. MMA offers commercial property, casualty, personal lines, and employee benefits to midsize businesses and individuals across North America.
About Abacus Health Solutions
Abacus Health Solutions (Abacus) and its principals are nationally recognized behavioral scientists and health experts who have been providing cost-containment solutions for three decades. The Abacus suite of Programs engages, supports and rewards members for health behaviors based upon established clinical guidelines for managing targeted chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and others. Visit http://www.abacushealth.com for more information.
