The Wednesday (April 14) edition of the New York Times will include a feature story on a groundbreaking alliance between YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) and UnitedHealth Group—the nation’s largest health insurer—to fight the epidemic of diabetes in our communities. In a unique arrangement, UnitedHealth Group will directly reimburse Ys participating in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program for each participant referred by the insurer.

 

YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program represents a significant opportunity to improve the health of our communities and the more than 50 million individuals at risk of developing diabetes. The program has proven to cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half through a group-based approach that encourages simple changes in lifestyle. As an organization committed to improving the nation’s health and well-being, the Y’s involvement in this work will make us a major force in diabetes prevention and position us as a leader in chronic disease prevention.

 

UnitedHealth Group chose to collaborate with the Y because of our expertise in helping people adopt healthier lifestyles and our capacity to expand the program nationally.

 

In addition, UnitedHealth Group and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized our movement’s success with Activate America, which laid the foundation for the diabetes program. By building our capacity to support health seekers, we have positioned ourselves to take a more prominent national position and local role in the healthy living arena.

 

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a significant, multiyear effort. UnitedHealth Group has identified seven markets where it will launch the program—Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Phoenix—and these YMCAs will being offering the program over the next few months.

 

Y-USA, UnitedHealth Group and the CDC will work together to expand the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program nationally throughout 2010 and beyond. UnitedHealth Group is making the program available to health plans and employer groups that are not part of its customer base. Consequently, if your Y is outside the UnitedHealth Group service area or has a relationship with another health plan, the infrastructure will allow for reimbursement from other plans.