23 Dec 2019
Fitbit signs tech deal to help manage diabetes in Georgia, US
BY Tom Walker
WellCare of Georgia has signed a partnership deal with Fitbit, which will see fitness trackers being used to manage the conditions of those living with diabetes.
The deal will see Fitbit devices being delivered to WellCare Medicaid members who take positive steps to manage their diabetes – such as completing their annual diabetic eye exams.
It is estimated that more than 10 per cent of adults in the state of Georgia currently live with Type 2 diabetes, a condition that, if not properly managed, can impact many areas of the body.
From 1 January 2020, WellCare is offering Georgia Medicaid members ages 18 and older with a diabetes diagnosis – and who are enrolled in the Fitbit Diabetes Program – a Fitbit Inspire.
Fitbit Inspire offers activity tracking, sleep tracking and reminders for the user to move.
WellCare's Fitbit Diabetes Program is the first time Fitbit will be included in a Medicaid program.
The company hopes that the devices will encourage those with diabetes to increase their physical activity levels.
Studies show exercise is a key component to managing diabetes. According to a study in the World Journal of Diabetes, walking for at least 30 minutes per day was shown to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by approximately 50 per cent and was associated with a reduction in mortality.
"We're excited to partner with Fitbit as we work to educate, motivate and support our members around the benefits of physical activity," said Dr. Clarence Davis, WellCare's senior medical director for Georgia.
"Fitbit's fitness tracker complements WellCare's existing care management resources and will provide yet another resource to help our members living with diabetes manage their condition and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
"Partnering with Fitbit helps incentivise our members living with diabetes manage their condition.
"Diabetic eye exams are a critical part of effective diabetes management, so we wanted to find an innovative way to not only motivate our members to complete their annual eye exam, but encourage additional healthy behaviours such as walking and physical activity."
WellCare currently provides managed health care services through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans for more than 6.3 million members across the US.
In Georgia, WellCare serves approximately 492,000 Medicaid members, 52,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 26,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members.
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