| 2004 Press Releases | Current | 2005 | 2004 | Pre 2004 |
LifeMasters Disease Management Programs Improve Health and Reduce Costs for Ohio's Retired Teachers
COLUMBUS, OH and IRVINE, CA (April 15, 2004 ) - The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) and LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. report that in the first year of a three-year agreement to provide disease management programs and services, the collaboration resulted in improved health for program participants and more than $6 million in net savings to the pension system's health care program.The disease management program involved 6,125 retirees who were diagnosed with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or diabetes. Results were calculated by STRS Ohio independent auditor, Health Data Management Solutions, and included the following:
- During the first year of the program, STRS Ohio saved more than $8.6 million in medical and prescription drug costs before fees were paid to LifeMasters. After accounting for $2.5 million in fees paid to LifeMasters for the year, the savings were in excess of $6 million.
- The reduction in claims costs for the population managed by LifeMasters, after adjusting for the fees paid, was 6.9%.
- STRS Ohio members enrolled in the LifeMasters program experienced an 18% reduction in the number of hospital admissions and emergency room visits in that same year.
The LifeMasters program also made improvements in the quality of clinical care for STRS Ohio participants, as shown by a number of clinical indicators used to measure relative improvements in the overall health of enrollees in terms of their chronic diseases.
In addition, more than 90 percent of surveyed STRS Ohio participants rated LifeMasters' disease management program as good to excellent.
"Our programs offer support, information, and personalized coaching designed to educate participants and provide them with the tools that will help them achieve their optimal level of health," said LifeMasters' CEO, Christobel Selecky. "The results we have seen in our first year of working with STRS Ohio are evidence of disease management's ability to encourage healthier lifestyles and promote adherence to evidence-based care, which are key factors in reducing preventable emergency hospitalizations and enhancing quality of life," she added.
Barbara Pemberton, 62, a retired teacher in Van Wert, Ohio is just one example of the impact that LifeMasters' program has had on its participants. When Pemberton joined the LifeMasters program with diabetes and hypertension, she was unaware of the importance of monitoring her blood sugar levels over time. Her LifeMasters nurse worked closely with her to set goals for weight loss, meal planning, and monitoring and reporting her vital signs on a regular basis. As a result, she has consistently lowered her blood glucose levels and has better cholesterol values. Within three months of joining the program she made significant changes and her doctor "was very impressed with her progress." She now walks regularly, and gets her annual exams on time.
"Being in LifeMasters helps me stay on track with the monitoring," said Pemberton. "I record my blood pressure, pulse and blood sugar every morning before breakfast. It reassures me to see these figures. Giving the information to someone keeps me more focused. I'm a compulsive over-achiever. I was told only 10% of diabetes patients keep track of things like I do. I wanted to be in that 10%. I want to continue with good health. I'm a reader and a quilter. I want to protect my eyes, so I'm motivated to take care of myself."
Clifford Banks, 63, a retired teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, had high blood sugar when he entered the LifeMasters program with diabetes. He started receiving weekly coaching calls and was encouraged by his LifeMasters nurse to take his blood sugar four times daily, engage in sensible meal planning, and enroll in a diabetes education class. He was also educated about the important annual exams he needs to have through the LifeMasters CareGuideSM for Diabetes. He quickly brought his blood glucose levels within normal limits through his dietary changes and increased activity. Based on his progress, he now receives biweekly calls, and may soon require only monthly calls. Additionally, he's now up to date on almost all annual exams.
"When I was told last year I had diabetes, I didn't know a thing about it," said Banks. "Through LifeMasters, I've learned about diabetes in general and what the symptoms are. I've learned to pay attention to what I'm eating. With LifeMasters, I feel they're taking care of me."
About the State Teachers Retirement System of OhioSTRS Ohio is the pension system for teachers in Ohio's public K-12 schools and colleges and universities. Currently, the system serves approximately 413,000 active, inactive and retired educators and has assets of approximately $54 billion. Last year (July 1, 2002-June 30, 2003) STRS Ohio paid more than $2.8 billion in service retirement, disability and survivor benefits plus and additional $456 million for health care coverage for retirees and their dependents.
For More Information Contact: |
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| Denise Apcar LifeMasters, Inc (650) 829-6217 pr@lifemasters.com |
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