Western Health Advantage Partners with Virta Health

Sacramento, CA (January 8, 2021) – Western Health Advantage (WHA) announced today an innovative virtual diabetes reversal treatment now available from Virta Health for members with type 2 diabetes.

WHA will offer this treatment to reverse type 2 diabetes through personalized nutrition plans and continuous remote care without calorie-counting, surgery, or medication. WHA members enrolled in this program are medically supervised as they lower A1c, reduce or eliminate diabetes medications, and lose weight. “WHA values the importance of staying healthy and is pleased to offer this treatment that can help our members with type 2 diabetes prevent the condition from progressing or reverse it entirely,” said Dr. Khuram Arif, Chief Medical Officer at WHA. “Diabetes or prediabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol levels each increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. WHA continues to offer benefits that go beyond health care coverage by providing vital resources to improve a member’s overall health and wellbeing,” he added. 

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 4M Californians suffer from type 2 diabetes. WHA teamed up with Virta Health to offer this treatment at no cost members who are enrolled in an eligible Western Health Advantage medical plan.* “We’re excited to partner with Western Health Advantage, which has long been a leader in connecting its members with innovative healthcare solutions,” said Trent Myers, Vice President of Commercial at Virta. “Type 2 diabetes is a significant health issue in California, but together with WHA we can expand Virta’s impact throughout the state and work to reverse the epidemic altogether.”

Included in the Virta Treatment:

• Medical Supervision: a metabolic health specialist (doctor, nurse, or physician assistant) provides continuous medical supervision and safe medication reductions.
• One-on-one Health Coaching: a nutrition expert who answers questions and helps you form better habits.
• Biomarker Feedback Tools: supplies are included to measure blood glucose, ketones, and weight among other factors, which helps Virta personalize your treatment.
• Mobile and Desktop App: an easy-to-use mobile and desktop app for immediate access to care.
• 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 where you can connect with other Virta patients to find support and share tips.

WHA members between the ages of 18 and 79 with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and access to a smartphone, may be eligible for this treatment program and can learn more at mywha.org/Virta. 

About Western Health Advantage

Western Health Advantage was founded by doctors to address the health care industry’s evolving patient needs within an increasingly complex health care system. For over 22 years, Western Health Advantage has been recognized for providing access to quality, affordable health care to more than 105,000 members across Northern CA. A nonprofit HMO plan headquartered in Sacramento, Western Health Advantage’s community-based mission is to have 90% of every dollar go back into supporting patient care. For more information on Western Health Advantage and its available health plans, visit chooseWHA.com or call 916.563.2250.

*Coverage for this program depends on certain eligibility criteria. WHA Medicare Advantage members are not eligible for this program at this time.