AbilTo, Aetna announce new program to help members with diabetes combat depression

The combination of depression and diabetes is common and potentially dangerous. People with depression can find it hard to make the lifestyle changes needed to manage diabetes. If not well managed, diabetes often leads to additional health issues, like heart, circulatory and kidney disease. Today, Aetna (NYSE: AET) and AbilTo are announcing a new program to help members with diabetes combat depression and take control of their diabetes.    

"More than 25 million adults suffer from diabetes. This group is twice as likely as others to suffer from depression," said Michael Golinkoff, Ph.D., senior advisor, Aetna Behavioral Health Operations. "Depression increases the risk of more health problems, higher prescription drug use and additional medical visits. If we can help members effectively manage depression, we can help members control diabetes and have better health."

Aetna's Care Management teams identify eligible members and invite them to join AbilTo's Diabetes Forum. The program began in June for members in Aetna's commercial self-insured and fully insured medical plans in the following states:

• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia

During the eight-week program, members meet with a therapist who helps them address the emotional challenges that come with diabetes. They also have a behavioral coach who helps them make healthier lifestyle choices. Members meet with the same therapists and coaches throughout their programs. Sessions can be conducted by telephone or video conferencing.

Aetna and AbilTo will measure the Diabetes Forum's effectiveness at lowering rates of depression and health care costs. The program expands on Aetna's success with AbilTo's Cardiac Health Forum that was launched in 2011. The cardiac program helps members manage depression, anxiety and stress after a heart attack or other major heart-related event. Early results show that, on average, graduates of the cardiac program experience a 75 percent drop in depression.

"Our proven, evidence-based approach has already been used to help many individuals manage depression and improve their overall health," said Michael Laskoff, CEO of AbilTo. "We remain committed to working with Aetna to bringing even greater health care innovation to its members."