By: Joanne Mizell

Joanne Mizell has been a force for change in health care for over 30 years. She is chief operating officer at Banner|Aetna, a joint venture health insurer that unites the largest care delivery system in Arizona, Banner Health, and Aetna, under a 50/50 financial accountability model. This alignment paves the way for collaboration between those who provide care and those who pay for it and drives improvements to the health care experience for patients and members. Thanks to her operational expertise, the organization has introduced innovative member-focused programs, including the Banner|Aetna Ecosystem, a suite of interconnected healthy living programs that approach metabolic disorder management holistically.

Over the last few decades, the number of people affected by metabolic disease has sharply increased, putting strain on an already overburdened health system. Metabolic disease is an umbrella term for conditions that disrupt the normal metabolic processes the body uses to make energy from food. These include:

• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia
• Obesity
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Though these disorders are reversible in most cases, they often occur together and tend to worsen over time if untreated or undertreated. For example, obesity in both children and adults is closely linked to the development of prediabetes which now affects one in three people. Prediabetes is, in turn, a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Unless new preventive and therapeutic strategies are implemented, studies estimate rates of Type 2 diabetes will more than double by 2050, leading to devastating costs for individuals and society.

To help change this trajectory, Banner|Aetna launched “The Eco” (short for the Banner|Aetna Ecosystem). The comprehensive suite of healthy living programs completely reimagines care management for metabolic diseases using an integrated “hub and spoke” model that seamlessly supports weight loss, nutrition, physical activity and behavioral changes.

A new approach to healthy living programs

While healthy living programs are commonly offered by insurers, what sets The Eco apart is its truly holistic approach. The community-based Eco offers access to:

• Banner|Aetna Kitchen. This unique nutrition education program features a series of community-based dinner parties facilitated by a professional chef and a dietician or diabetes educator. During the hands-on, cooking-show-style classes, members prepare and enjoy a meal together while sharing in guided conversation about topics like practical nutrition and how to stay active. It’s made a big impact on people who participate. Data shows 75% adopt regular exercise routines, and 92% see benefits like weight loss or improved blood glucose.
• Active Project. As The Eco's lifestyle modification arm, Active Project facilitates member participation in group fitness activities like walking, hiking, gardening, and more. It is the natural “next step” for members who have completed the Banner|Aetna Kitchen and want to continue their path to better health.
• Virtual Type 2 diabetes reversal. The groundbreaking diabetes reversal program effectively helps members with Type 2 diabetes manage their condition with remarkable results without expensive medications like GLP-1s. At the 12-month mark, clinical data shows participants experienced a 66% reduction in diabetes-related medication use, with some even reversing their disease entirely.
• Care Advocate Team. For members with complex health needs, this care management program provides member-centric support that keeps decision-making power in the hands of providers. This leads to improved care access, lower costs, and better outcomes. The clinician-led model is rare in health care and is only possible because of Banner|Aetna’s alignment with providers through its joint venture model.
• Aetna Health Your Way. This comprehensive wellness offering is designed to support members of the Banner|Aetna Ecosystem on their journey to better health. Whether the aim is adopting better nutrition or more exercise, it’s a one-stop shop for personal well-being and condition management.
• Know Your Numbers (KYN). These accessible biometric screening events make it easy for members to complete testing and track their health markers. Three times a year, members of The Eco are invited to attend Know Your Numbers events where they can mingle, enjoy delicious and healthy food and drinks, learn more about supportive services and even win prizes!

These complementary programs work to help members adopt changes that stick. The Eco was designed specifically to support sustainable growth and long-term participation—members who complete their first program are welcome to enroll in other Eco offerings, as long as they are insured through Banner|Aetna. The core philosophy revolves around sustaining motivation and engagement and using that momentum for improved health.

Real change, lasting results

Many participants in The Eco remain involved after their first program, both to continue their journey and help support others who are just starting. For example, after participating in the life-changing Banner|Aetna Kitchen, Glenn and Dianne enrolled in the Active Project. “It's been great, and we are really looking forward to the milder weather and going to some of the beautiful and exotic parks in and around Phoenix and Scottsdale. It’s amazing how Banner|Aetna has made it so easy and enjoyable” Dianne remarked.

The Banner|Aetna Ecosystem is just one innovative way we are improving health care. Visit our website to learn more about The Eco’s suite of healthy living programs. For information about our coverage, visit our employer page.