Impact of a Healthplan-Offered Food as Medicine Program on Clinical and Financial Outcomes on Members with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a major public health issue in Arizona, with high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality rates. In order to address this challenge, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) has developed a Diabetes Action Plan that aims to reduce diabetes progression by 25% by 2025 through innovative initiatives and partnerships. One of these initiatives is the Food as Medicine (FAM) pilot program, which provided members with type 2 diabetes access to one-on-one (unlimited) dietitian counseling, a healthy food marketplace, and a monthly food subsidy for six months. The FAM pilot is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the impact of the intervention on clinical (A1C, blood pressure, BMI), quality of life, and financial outcomes. This presentation will describe the rationale, design, implementation, and results of the FAM pilot, as well as the plans for expansion and integration into health benefits. We will discuss the role of lifestyle medicine and food as medicine in preventing and managing diabetes, and share best practices and recommendations based on clinical guidelines and evidence-based interventions. The presentation will also provide an overview of the diabetes epidemic in Arizona and the BCBSAZ Diabetes Action Plan, as well as highlight the potential of food as medicine to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs for individuals with diabetes.