Innovation & Insights

Providence Health Plan Partners With Virta Health to Bring Type 2 Diabetes Reversal to Growing Roster of Administrative Services Only Groups

23 August 2022

Collaboration allows Providence Health Plan's Administrative Services Only customers to offer Virta's virtual, provider-led diabetes reversal treatment to their employees

Early success stories include Kyle Chapman, who has lost 30+ pounds in just 4 months on Virta, and Deanna Moretz, who has cut her insulin dosage in half since starting the treatment

(Portland, Ore. August 23, 2022)—Providence Health Plan (PHP), a not-for-profit health insurer serving the Western U.S., today announced positive results from a strategic partnership with type 2 diabetes reversal leader Virta Health. The collaboration brings Virta’s innovative approach to diabetes care to a growing list of PHP’s self-insured employer customers and their employees. Self-insured employer customers, such as the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), purchase healthcare benefits, including Virta, for their employees.

Virta’s first-of-its-kind type 2 diabetes treatment helps people reverse their condition by achieving normal blood sugar without medications. In the company’s peer-reviewed clinical trial results, 94% of completing patients using insulin decrease or eliminate their dosage at one year. 63% of all diabetes prescriptions are eliminated at one year (improved to 67% at year two) and patients see sustained 12% weight loss. 

“In just the first few months of our partnership with Virta, participating members are transforming their health, and even reversing type 2 diabetes,” said Robert Gluckman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Providence Health Plan. “Offering these impactful interventions is central to our Mission and commitment to bringing true health to our members and communities. We are encouraged by these early results and eager to see more members realize the benefits of Virta.” 

One early success story comes from PHP member Kyle Chapman, who received a surprise type 2 diabetes diagnosis at age 25. In the decade that followed, Kyle, a university professor, struggled to control his blood sugar and weight, despite trying a variety of medications. By February 2022, his blood sugar (A1c) had skyrocketed to 9.1% (normal ranges fall below 5.7%, 6.5 % or more indicates diabetes), and his doctor said insulin was a likely next step. 

Looking for an option outside of more medications, Kyle joined Virta in March 2022. Since then, Kyle has dramatically reduced his blood sugar levels, lost more than 30 pounds, and reduced inflammation. Further, he no longer suffers from daily skin and stomach issues. Kyle said, “I’m so grateful to PHP for offering this treatment as a benefit. Virta showed me that I don't have to stay overweight, be on insulin, and yo-yo for the rest of my life." 

Deanna Moretz, a pharmacist for Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, has seen similar transformative results. Since starting Virta, Deanna has lowered her blood sugar from 8.7% to 6.5%, while having her insulin prescription reduced by 50%. She’s also lost more than 30 pounds, eliminated chronic knee pain, and now has more energy to go on daily walks for exercise. 

Virta’s approach also reduces costs for payers—$425 per patient per month ($10,000 over the first two years) according to a recent analysis. Alongside substantial health improvement for members, these cost savings are key as PHP expands its Administrative Services Only (ASO) business to additional large employers across the Western U.S. 

“Providence Health Plan’s commitment to providing patient-first, value-based care aligns perfectly with Virta’s pay-for-outcomes model,” said Kevin Kumler, President at Virta Health. “Partners like PHP pay only when patients achieve clinically-significant blood sugar reduction, weight loss, and medication de-prescription—a win-win for customers and patients alike.” 

Providence’s self-insured employer customers can sign up for Virta by connecting with their benefits manager. 

About Providence Health Plan (PHP) 
Providence Health Plan (PHP) is an integral part of a 160-year-old not-for-profit healthcare collective that has set the health and well-being standard for the communities we serve. PHP provides high quality, affordable coverage to members via plans for small and large groups, self-insured plan sponsors, Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as individuals and families. We offer a range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, 24/7 access to telehealth visits, behavioral health resources, and personalized health coaching. To learn more, visit www.providencehealthplan.com. 

About Virta Health
Virta Health helps people reverse Type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. Current approaches manage disease progression through increased medication use and infrequent doctor visits. Virta reverses Type 2 diabetes through innovations in technology, nutrition science and continuous remote care from physicians and behavioral experts. In clinical studies, 94% of patients reduce or eliminate insulin use, and weight-loss exceeds FDA benchmarks by 150%. Virta works with the largest health plans, employers and government organizations and puts 100% of its fees at risk based on clinical and financial outcomes. To learn more about how Virta is transforming lives by reversing Type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, visit www.virtahealth.com or follow us on Twitter.

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