Medtronic, BCBS Minnesota ink value-based diabetes deal

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) said today that it inked a deal with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota on an outcomes-based program for diabetes patients.

The plan gives BCBS Minnesota members access to Medtronic’s Guardian Connect continuous glucose monitor via a pharmacy benefit, with payments pegged to how long patients spend in a targeted blood glucose range. The deal also includes access to the company’s Inner Circle patient engagement program, which aims to use gamification to improve outcomes, for people using Guardian Connect and Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G pump.

“With this new agreement, we’re excited to show how an innovative partnership between a health plan and a medical device company can work together to improve diabetes care,” Americas Region VP for diabetes Suzanne Winter said in prepared remarks. “Making our Guardian Connect system more easily available to members of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota will provide people with diabetes with the tools to help them achieve their best possible outcomes, so they can focus on living their life without constantly worrying about their glucose levels.”

“This partnership is great example of how we are working together to improve health,” added BCBS interim CMO Dr. Mark Steffen. “Through this value-based program, we are creating a better experience for our members by making it easier to access CGM technology from Medtronic through the pharmacy benefit, lowering the cost of care, and ultimately helping people better manage diabetes which is a win for everyone. We are excited to be the first health plan partner for Medtronic in which our members that enroll in the Inner Circle program can use earned points to offset out-of-pocket costs.”