Trellis is now an approved Medicare Part B and Medicaid supplier for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). Juniper, a program of Trellis, delivers NDPP in partnership with our community-based providers across Minnesota.
Trellis is the first National Diabetes Prevention Program Umbrella Hub Organization in Minnesota and is among only a handful of organizations able to seek Medicare reimbursement for NDPP services in Minnesota. Medicare made the NDPP program a Part B benefit in 2018.
Teresa Ambroz, manager of the Diabetes and Health Behavior Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health, said: “We are thrilled to support Trellis in this effort. The Juniper program is increasing access to a proven program that can help people prevent or delay the development of diabetes.”
“Healthcare continues to evolve toward prioritizing more equitable care that includes social care,” according to Mark Cullen, VP of Strategy and Business Development for Trellis. “The infrastructure that Trellis has developed to meet the requirements of a Medicare supplier will unlock opportunities for payment for other social care services delivered through our network.”
Juniper has offered the National Diabetes Prevention Program since 2016 through our statewide network of community-based organizations and class leaders. Three providers have signed up to provide the program under this Hub arrangement — Community Memorial Hospital, Duluth YMCA, Mama Bear Care, Nygard Fitness and VINE: Faith in Action.
Diabetes is a serious disease with considerable social and healthcare cost ramifications. In Minnesota, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death. That’s why diabetes prevention is so crucial.
Diabetes impacts certain groups more than others, resulting in racial and geographical disparities. Trellis is committed to addressing these disparities.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health:
- Older adults and diverse populations living in poverty are most severely impacted by diabetes
- Some racial and ethnic groups experience higher rates of type 2 diabetes, particularly African-Americans, Latinx people, American Indians and Pacific Islander/Asian Americans
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is aimed at adults who have prediabetes and meet other health criteria. It focuses on supporting participants to develop long-term lifestyle changes in exercise, diet and managing stress. It can cut the risk of developing diabetes in half.
Learn more about Juniper at yourjuniper.org. Learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program and find a class near you.
