If you’ve ever tried to pin down chronic disease management, you know it can feel both nebulous and vast. Still, the goal is simple: help people stay well and avoid avoidable costs. Think of it as a practical toolkit employers can activate—one that supports day-to-day health decisions, helps employees navigate care, and keeps plans operating smoothly.
Examples include:
- Remote patient monitoring for diabetes or chronic kidney disease
- Care coordination and nurse navigation for surgery or cancer
- Medication optimization and adherence support for heart failure and mental health disorders
The most effective programs also weave in proactive risk stratification and outreach for plan participants with high or rising risk. In other words: find the right people, at the right time, with the right support.
From there, it’s about access. Most group health plans already include some form of chronic disease management. The key is knowing what your carrier offers, what triggers enrollment, and how to help employees use it—so great resources don’t sit on the shelf.
What does your plan offer?
Below are examples of what a few carriers offer. Dig into the specifics with your carrier and plan.
Aetna offers nurse-led care management models with a single-nurse approach, integrated coaching, and utilization management.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has condition/disease management programs with nurse clinician support and physician-integrated care plans, plus integrated behavioral health care management as part of overall care management.
Sana Benefits offers health coaching for chronic conditions via Vida Health, advanced primary care for complex chronic conditions, and condition-specific partners supporting ongoing and chronic needs including Neura Health for neurological conditions.
And don’t forget third-party administrators. Many TPAs also offer chronic disease management programs. For instance, Imagine360’s case management program for self-insured employers includes credentialed and compassionate healthcare specialists, 1:1 patient support, and the integration of plan data all support a seamless member experience.
Bringing it to life
A practical next step: identify the triggers that enroll members, clarify how employees get in (phone, portal, referral), and brief employees on what to expect (appointments, follow-ups, remote monitoring, medication support). Small process tweaks here make a big difference in engagement.
Chronic disease management works best when it’s visible, simple, and supported. Make it easy to find, easy to join, and easy to use—and you’ll see healthier employees and fewer surprises in your claims.
