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Diabetes reversal is possible thanks to new relationship between medical insurance company Banner|Aetna and Virta Health

Legal Notices: Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.

By Tom Grote, Banner|Aetna CEO

Diabetes and prediabetes affect more American adults than any other disease - in fact, the number of people with diabetes is higher than ever before. Diabetes and its related conditions can have a big impact on quality of life regardless of age, affecting physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. On average, medical expenses for those with diabetes are twice as high as those without the disease.

A problem of this scale requires a better approach, which is why medical insurance company Banner|Aetna teamed up to bring Virta Health's innovative diabetes management program to eligible members in Arizona for the first time. 

Virta’s diabetes treatment program helps people with type 2 diabetes actually reverse their condition without medication. The team-based model gives patients 24/7 access to a team of licensed care professionals, so they don’t have to struggle to get in contact with one busy provider (doctor, health coach, dietician, etc.) when they need support or guidance. Patients are also connected to an understanding community of like-minded people who have been through the experience themselves. Thanks to these resources, along with continuous remote care, personalized nutrition plans, and app-based self-help resources, patients are empowered with the information they need to make the best possible care decisions. This highly individualized approach is in line with the latest American Diabetes Association guidance which emphasizes the importance of providing patient-centered services based on life circumstances, desires and needs and social determinants of health. Virta has demonstrated success in helping people achieve normal blood sugar without medication so they can get back to doing what they love the most.

“I spent years trying everything to manage my type 2 diabetes, but nothing worked,” said Banner|Aetna member and Virta success story Chris Stewart. “Then I found Virta. Along with the support of my coaches, I’ve now reversed my condition, gotten off all of my diabetes medications—saving $500+ per year on copays—and am down 110 pounds. I’m feeling incredible, and the best part is that I can truly enjoy riding BMX with my daughter again!”

Overall, for patients completing two years of Virta's treatment, peer-reviewed clinical trial results show: 

  • The average daily insulin dosage was reduced by 81%
  • 67% of all prescriptions were eliminated
  • Patients experienced 10% weight loss, exceeding FDA benchmarks by 100%

After two years in the program, 70% of patients are still participating which makes Virta more sustainable than other diet and lifestyle programs. According to Robert Groves, MD, Banner|Aetna EVP and CMO, “the Virta intake process sets patients up for success in helping them find their ‘why.’ By helping patients identify 'why' they want to improve their health, you will find a key advocate. For Banner|Aetna member Chris, his ‘why’ was to ride BMX with his daughter…Finding the ‘why’ gives patients a deep source of inspiration to draw from to stay on track.”

Virta’s program is available at no extra cost to eligible members of Banner|Aetna’s fully insured and Administrative Services Only groups. Self-funded employer groups can also access prediabetes and obesity reversal offerings that use the same innovative care model to deliver sustainable health transformation. If you’re interested in learning more about our coverage, visit our Employer or Individual pages. 

Banner|Aetna medical insurance company’s innovative relationship with Virta Health was recently highlighted in leading industry publications Healthcare Finance News, Modern Healthcare, and mhealthcareintelligence. 

Transforming health care, together

Banner|Aetna aims to offer access to more efficient and effective member care at a more affordable cost. We join the right medical professionals with the right technology, so members benefit from quality, personalized health care designed to help them reach their health ambitions.

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What's New

Health benefits and health insurance plans are offered, underwritten, and/or administered by Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company and/or Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc. (Banner|Aetna). Banner|Aetna is an affiliate of Banner Health and of Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna). Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Aetna and Banner Health provide certain management services to Banner|Aetna. Aetna, CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic, LLC (which either operates or provides certain management support services to MinuteClinic-branded walk-in clinics) are part of the CVS Health® family of companies.

On-Demand Virtual Care with 98point6 by Transcarent

Banner|Aetna offers access to 98point6 by Transcarent, a virtual care solution that enables members to connect to care anytime, anywhere via secure in-app messaging.

Treatment is provided by a U.S.-based care team, including board-certified doctors, who can diagnose and treat over 1,000 conditions, outline care options, prescribe* medication, and order labs or imaging when appropriate—all through the convenience of a mobile app.

Key Features:

  • Audio, video, and Spanish translation support available as needed
  • Access to care plans and lab results directly within the app
  • Referrals to in-network resources and specialists
  • Care is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
  • 24/7/365 access with an average wait time of under 2 minutes—no appointment required.

Available to enrolled Banner|Aetna members and covered dependents age 1+* in an eligible plan.

Cost: Low-to-no-cost per visit*, depending on plan details.

*FOR ENROLLED MEMBERS AND COVERED DEPENDENTS AGE 1+: 98point6 by Transcarent is available to members age 1-17 when an adult parent or guardian is also enrolled in the plan. Access to 98point6 by Transcarent is not included in all plans.

*FOR LOW-TO-NO-COST WITH 98POINT6 BY TRANSCARENT: Members enrolled in a health savings account (HSA) or qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP) must pay the applicable cost-share for virtual care visit until their deductible is met, after which services will be provided at no cost-share. All other health plan members pay $0 per virtual care visit regardless of whether their deductible has been met. Please refer to your plan documents for your applicable cost-share amounts.

*FOR 98POINT6 BY TRANSCARENT PRESCRIBING: 98point6 by Transcarent providers do not prescribe controlled substances (such as opioids), lifestyle medications (such as Viagra and Propecia) or weight loss medications (Wegovy or Ozempic). 98point6 by Transcarent and Transcarent Clinic clinicians are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Banner|Aetna or plans administered by Banner|Aetna, and does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. Transcarent Clinic providers will not prescribe DEA-controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs that may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. Clinicians reserve the right to deny care for potential misuse of services

This material is for information only. An application must be completed to obtain coverage. Rates and benefits vary by location. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Banner|Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice.

Health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.