Holistic Healthy Lifestyle Program Transforms Lives

Living with a chronic metabolic condition like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, or hypertension is a daily reality for millions of Americans. An estimated 129 million people have at least one major chronic disease—and the numbers are growing.

These conditions take a significant physical, emotional, and financial toll on individuals and their families. They also drive a substantial portion of overall medical spending in the U.S. For example, diabetes alone accounts for one out of every four dollars spent on health care, making it the most expensive chronic disease in the country.

But there’s hope. Research shows that many of these conditions can be reversed or managed through lifestyle changes, like better nutrition and regular physical activity. That’s why we launched the Banner|Aetna Ecosystem (The Eco), a platform of integrated offerings designed to empower individuals to take control of their health. This groundbreaking “hub-and-spoke” model of healthy lifestyle programs takes a holistic, community-driven approach that addresses the root causes of metabolic disorders and creates lasting change.

Redefining healthy lifestyle programs

Many insurers offer programs that promote health and wellness, but The Eco stands out for its high-touch, wraparound support. Whether members are just starting on their health journey or they’re well on their way, Eco colleagues are there to provide personalized guidance that inspires them to achieve their goals.

The Eco goes beyond managing symptoms and helps participants create sustainable, long-term health improvements. The Eco consists of eight interconnected programs and services, each designed to support members according to their unique needs. Together, they form a seamless pathway to better health.

Banner|Aetna Kitchen

This unique nutrition education program combines hands-on cooking lessons with guided conversations about practical nutrition and physical activity. Facilitated by a professional chef and a dietitian or diabetes educator, members gather for dinner parties where they prepare and enjoy healthy meals together.

The results are remarkable. Participants don’t just leave with new recipes—they leave with new habits. Data shows that 75% adopt regular exercise routines and 92% see benefits like weight loss or improved blood glucose levels.[1]

Banner|Aetna Active Project

The Active Project offers participants a chance to stay active in a fun, social way. Whether it’s hiking, walking, or gardening, this program encourages members to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives through instructor-led group activities at beautiful parks and area fitness centers. Healthy food and chilled water are provided at every activity.

Type 2 diabetes reversal by Virta

For members with Type 2 diabetes, The Eco provides a program that doesn’t just manage diabetes but aims to reverse it. According to clinical data from the first year, participants experienced a 66% reduction in diabetes-related medication use on average and some even saw complete reversal of their condition.

Care Advocate Team

Navigating the health care system can be challenging, especially for people with complex conditions. Banner|Aetna’s Care Advocate Team makes it easier to coordinate and manage care for complex conditions with collaborative support from case managers, health educators, pharmacists and social workers—all at no additional cost.

Know Your Numbers

Three times a year, members are invited to Know Your Numbers (KYN) events, where they can track their health markers, enjoy healthy food and drinks from Banner|Aetna Kitchen, and learn more about other relevant Eco programs.

Aetna Health Your Way^TM

Whether the goal is better nutrition, more exercise, or managing a chronic condition, the Aetna Health Your Way digital wellness program offers comprehensive support and guidance right from the Banner|Aetna member portal. The one-stop shop from one of our parent companies, leading national payer Aetna, makes wellness highly personal, fun and engaging with coaching support, health education and more.

AbleTo

Mental and physical health go hand in hand—which is why The Eco includes virtual access to self-care tools, individualized coaching and therapy from licensed professionals via AbleTo. These science-backed mental health services support members in developing resilience and coping skills so they can achieve their goals and sustain their health transformations.

No- or low-cost care

Managing chronic conditions shouldn’t be costly or complicated. The Eco includes affordable, convenient options that complement traditional primary care—from sick visits to disease management—through no- or low-cost services including:

• 98point6, which provides on-demand, text-based primary care from board-certified physicians—no appointments needed. Members can get chronic condition support, prescriptions, and lab orders from anywhere with no waiting room.
• MinuteClinic^® from CVS Health, one of our parent companies, which offers a broad range of health services delivered by board-certified providers inside select CVS Pharmacy^® stores.

Scott and Lesa Goodenough’s journey

Banner|Aetna members Scott and Lesa Goodenough are testaments to the power of The Eco’s healthy lifestyle programs.

“Lesa and I learned a lot in the Active Project and really enjoyed it—it was fun. But what were we going to do after that? We started thinking about it and really wanted to do more,” Scott shared.

That’s when they discovered Banner|Aetna Kitchen. “It was just as fun as the Active Project, and we’ve changed the way we eat at our house—and we really like what we’re eating. It’s easy,” Lesa added.

The results have been life changing. Thanks to The Eco healthy lifestyle programs, Scott lost 70 pounds and lowered his A1C from 11.2 to 5.1, effectively reversing his Type 2 diabetes.

The Banner|Aetna Ecosystem is more than a collection of programs—it’s a community. It’s a place where members find support, inspiration and the tools they need to transform their lives. Whether you’re looking to improve your nutrition, get more active, or manage a chronic condition, we’re here to help.

For more information about The Eco or any of our healthy lifestyle programs, call 602-747-7344 or email banneraetnaeco@bannerhealth.com.

[1] Based on self-reported survey data from Banner|Aetna Kitchen program participants.