Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: May 7, 2024
Title:
title
Approval of and authorization to execute an Amendment to the Master Service Agreement and Statement of Work with Virta Medical P.C. effective June 1, 2024
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Background:
As part of the City’s health plan for employees and eligible dependents, Virta Diabetes Management Program has been offered to qualifying participants since September 2020. Diabetes reversal programs offer an innovative, nutritional treatment program to help reduce type 2 diabetes, without the risks, costs, or side effects of medications and/or surgery. Virta’s program helps people lower their blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c, making it possible to reduce diabetes medications.
Virta offers both a diabetes reversal program and prediabetes reversal program for eligible participants. The cost of program participation has historically been paid for by the city. Through a treatment program, Virta participants have access to:
• Medical Supervision: a metabolic health specialist (doctor, nurse, PA) who provide continuous medical supervision, check-ups, and safe medication reductions
• Personal One-On-One Health Coach: a nutrition and behavior expert who answers questions and helps form better habits
• Tools for Biomarker Feedback: supplies needed to measure blood glucose, ketones, weight, and more, which helps Virta personalize treatment
• Mobile and Desktop App: access to care is available by either a mobile or desktop app
• On-Demand Resources: a structured online curriculum of videos and games, a library of guides, recipes, and food options for any dietary preference
• Private Virta Community: a positive, moderated environment for participants to connect with others to find support and share tips
Virta also offers an obesity reversal service for those who have a BMI of 25>. There is a good population of health plan participants who meet eligibility of the obesity reversal services but do not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria of prediabetic or diabetic. Access to these obesity reversal services could lower prescription costs and improve some chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure. Virta’s estimated return on investment is a 5% reduction in each participants’ weight loss and $8,041 over two years per patient. If participants do not hit 5% minimum target for weight loss, Virta will reimburse expenses.
This program was discussed and is being recommended by Staff and the Insurance Advisory Committee. Staff will continue to market the benefits of the program and encourage participation to ensure we are reaching as many potential users as possible. Staff recommends authorizing Amendment No. 1 to the Master Service Agreement and Statement of Work with Virta effective June 1, 2024.
Cost: approximately $60,000 annually (based on number of active participants)
Funding Source: Group Health and Life Operational Budget Fund 661
Requested By: Kelly Cox, Human Resources Director
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: Broken Arrow weight loss expansion 060124
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve and execute Amendment No. 1 to the Master Service Agreement and Statement of Work with Virta Medical P.C. effective June 1, 2024.
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