Herbert Facey, manager, Greenwich Hospital Sterile Processing, credits the livingwell CARES care management program with helping him control his diabetes and prioritize his overall health.
You, transformed: livingwell CARES can help employees meet health goals, save money
Herbert Facey was tired of letting diabetes control his life. He was overweight, stressed and feeling sluggish. Facey, a manager in Sterile Processing at Greenwich Hospital, knew he needed to make changes or continue to suffer the side effects of his disease, but he didn’t know where to start. At a co-worker’s suggestion, he contacted
livingwell CARES (LWC) for help.
“The
livingwell CARES program changed my outlook on diabetes and on life,” said Facey. “I learned the importance of taking care of myself.”
The free, confidential LWC care management program helps people like Facey manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. It can also help anyone who wants to improve their health – from losing weight to quitting smoking – and meet personal goals.
“Participants meet confidentially with the specially trained LWC care management team, who can answer questions, address concerns, offer support with setting health goals and help participants navigate the healthcare system,” said Nicole Larizza, supervisor,
livingwell CARES.
“It’s like having your own personal healthcare professional,” said LWC participant Michelene Bond, contract analyst, Yale New Haven Health Payer, Strategy and Innovation.
In combination with care coordination and health coaching, participants may work with a behavioral health specialist, pharmacist or registered dietitian for additional support.
“We take a team-based approach and create a personalized program for each individual,” Larizza said. “LWC is designed to help people achieve their health goals and acquire the resources, knowledge and confidence they need to truly live well within their unique circumstances.”
Engaging with LWC might also help participants reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. Bond, who has asthma, saved hundreds of dollars on her inhalers.
“I had a prescription inhaler that used to cost me $250. The same inhaler now costs me $25,” she said.
All employees and covered dependents are eligible to participate in LWC* and are encouraged to contact the program any time at 1-888-533-3742 or
[email protected]. During the benefits open enrollment period, employees electing YNHHS medical benefits had the option to accept or decline participation in the LWC program, effective Jan. 1. Employees and/or their covered dependents with high blood pressure or diabetes who opted into the program may receive a call from LWC offering clinical assistance in managing these conditions.
“LWC has a wonderful track record of supporting our employees in controlling their blood pressure and diabetes,” said Ohm Deshpande, MD, executive director, Clinical Operations, YNHHS. “As the health system continues to invest in services to better support our families’ health goals, it’s critical that LWC be more visible and available.”
“It’s like having a supportive friend,” Facey said. “I have diabetes, but diabetes doesn’t have me, thanks to
ivingwell CARES.”
To read more about Facey’s and Bond’s journeys to better health and the LWC services, visit the new
livingwell CARES intranet site (in network only), also accessible from the Departments and Communities listing on the employee intranet home page.
*
Employees and covered dependents enrolled in YNHHS’ medical benefits are eligible for all LWC services, including care coordination and potential savings on certain medical expenses. Employees not enrolled in YNHHS medical benefits can engage with a LWC health coach, but are not eligible for care coordination or related cost savings.
