Implementation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program in two states’ Medicaid programs showed promising weight loss and improvements in physical activity likelihood amongst individuals enrolled in managed care.

 Background

Almost 10% of the U.S. population has diabetes and disproportionately affects individuals who are low-income. Medicaid coverage of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) has the potential to reduce this disparity. This report measures participant outcomes along with implementation successes and challenges in two states that implemented the National DPP through their coordinated care and accountable care organizations.  

Findings

The report described the experience of implementing the National DPP in Medicaid managed care in Maryland and Oregon. Outcomes were identified through program surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other data collected from participating health plans and Medicaid beneficiaries. Participating beneficiaries were retained in the program at similar levels reported in other National DPP research, and participants achieved weight loss and an increased likelihood of physical activity. While beneficiary recruitment and retention were challenges for some health plans, areas of success included offering both in-person and online program options, customized messaging, and partnerships with trusted organizations in the community. Program start-up and implementation costs also varied widely by health plan and organization.

Program/Policy Takeaways

The National DPP can be implemented in Medicaid managed care to engage Medicaid beneficiaries at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. State Medicaid agencies can use the insights in this report to partner with public health departments, health plans, and CDC-recognized organizations to support implementation amongst Medicaid beneficiaries.