Chronic Disease Pledge Bright Spot: Baylor Scott & White Health Plan’s Diabetes Management Program

April 15, 2025

Texas-based ACHP member plan Baylor Scott & White Health Plan (BSWHP) recognized what we all know: diabetes diagnoses are increasing and becoming more expensive to manage. More than eight percent of Texans have diabetes, and the disease costs the state over $25 billion annually. For many patients, necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, coupled with the high cost of medication, can be overwhelming and hard to navigate. When faced with this unfortunately common issue, BSWHP delivered a uniquely effective solution.

With the introduction of the BSW Be Well with Diabetes^TM program, aligned with ACHP’s Chronic Disease Pledge, BSWHP transformed its approach to diabetes care. BSW Be Well with Diabetes^TM provides patients with consistent, individualized health coaching, direct virtual communication with a clinical pharmacist and certified diabetes educator, and zero-dollar copays for diabetes medications and supplies. For participants, the program is “very clear and easy to follow,” and coaches are “a joy to talk with” and “genuinely interested in my well-being.”

The data doesn’t lie – this program works as demonstrated by 2024 pilot program results. Among BSW Be Well with Diabetes^TM participants, A1c levels declined and the number of patients attending annual provider visits as well as obtaining ADA-recommended labs increased from 75% to 100%. Further, by incentivizing members to join the program with the zero-dollar copays and removing cost barriers, medication adherence increased by 20%. Empowering patients to engage in their diabetes management helped BSWHP improve outcomes, preventive care and disease management.  (Based on the results of the pilot program in 2024, the program officially launched 1/1/2025.)

While these numbers clearly demonstrate success, the BSW Be Well with Diabetes^TM program is built on the understanding that diabetes care should go beyond quantifiable outcomes. From setting personal goals to explaining how to read nutrition labels, health coaches from the BSWHP Wellness Team collaborate with patients one-on-one to determine the management strategies that work best for their lives. For one patient, individualized coaching helped spark pride in how he managed his diabetes. He was empowered to track his meals and macronutrients and happily shared his best ‘food pics’ with his coach.

BSW’s patient-first attitude is evident in every detail of the BSW Be Well with Diabetes^TM program. Encouraging patients to ask pharmacists questions about their medication gives them knowledge and understanding about the tools they are using. BSWHP provides toolkits that include glucometers and portioned bento box-style containers ensuring that cost is not a barrier to any aspect of diabetes management. Additionally, the mySugr app – also included in the program – makes blood glucose tracking easy and efficient.

BSWHP has demonstrated that personalized care and attention to detail are incredibly effective in helping people manage their diabetes treatment plans. When local health plans provide tailored care, outcomes improve, costs decrease and patient engagement soars.