EmblemHealth Tackles NYC Diabetes with Free Citywide Program

NEW YORK, NY – April 22, 2026 – In a significant move to combat one of New York City’s most pressing public health challenges, EmblemHealth today announced the citywide expansion of its Community Diabetes Wellness Program. Building on a highly successful pilot in the Bronx, the not-for-profit health plan is now offering no-cost diabetes screenings, education, and comprehensive support services to all New Yorkers, regardless of their insurance provider.

The initiative represents a major investment in community-based preventive care, directly addressing the barriers that often prevent individuals from managing or preventing diabetes. The program, which has already served over 8,700 people, will now be available at six of the insurer's Neighborhood Care locations across the five boroughs.

“The results we saw in the Bronx — where diabetes rates are among the highest in the city — make it clear that we need to keep showing up in our communities with bold ideas that address real-life barriers,” said Abdou Bah, SVP, Quality, Strategy, and Chief Health Equity Officer at EmblemHealth. “Today marks a major milestone in our commitment to affordable, community-based care.”

A Citywide Lifeline in a Growing Crisis

The expansion comes at a critical time for New York City. According to public health data, an estimated 740,000 New Yorkers are living with diabetes, and a staggering 1.3 million more have prediabetes, a condition that significantly increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The disease disproportionately impacts Black and Latino communities and residents of high-poverty neighborhoods, creating deep-seated health inequities. Compounding the issue, officials estimate that nine out of ten people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, making accessible screening and education paramount.

EmblemHealth’s program aims to be a vital lifeline by removing the most common obstacles to care: cost and accessibility. By opening its doors to everyone, the initiative provides a crucial entry point for detection and management. The services offered are comprehensive, including free A1C blood sugar tests, multi-session diabetes prevention and management courses, nutrition workshops, fitness classes, and emotional support.

This model directly supports the city's own public health strategy. In April 2024, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene launched its Citywide Diabetes Reduction Plan, mandated by local law to alleviate the burden of the disease in priority neighborhoods. By providing a robust, free, and localized infrastructure, EmblemHealth’s program complements and amplifies these city-led efforts, creating a powerful public-private front against the chronic illness.

The Bronx Blueprint for Success

The decision to scale the program citywide was fueled by compelling results from its initial phase in the Bronx, which began in October 2024. Internal data from the health plan revealed that among its members who participated in the program, 43% successfully lowered their A1C levels—a key indicator of blood sugar control. This figure demonstrates a tangible impact on the health of participants.

Further data from the program's first four months at its Fordham Road location in the Bronx highlights its community resonance. During that period, the center conducted four screening events that tested 460 people for diabetes and offered 38 classes on prevention and management. The program achieved a 67% completion rate for its educational courses, with participants who finished reporting a 100% satisfaction rate.

The challenge now is to replicate this “Bronx Blueprint” across the diverse communities of Cambria Heights, Crown Heights, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Each borough presents unique demographic, cultural, and logistical landscapes. Success will depend on the program's ability to remain agile and culturally competent, tailoring its outreach and educational content to meet the specific needs of each neighborhood it serves. Public health experts note that the effectiveness of such programs hinges on sustained engagement and building trust at the local level, a goal EmblemHealth aims to achieve through its established Neighborhood Care centers.

Redefining the Role of a Health Insurer

EmblemHealth's initiative marks a departure from the traditional role of a health insurance company. While most insurers offer diabetes management programs, they are typically restricted to enrolled members. By making its program free and open to the public, the company is positioning itself as a proactive public health partner rather than just a payer of claims. This strategy of investing in preventive care for the entire community—including those insured by competitors or uninsured—is a bold move in the American healthcare landscape.

This approach stands in contrast to other available resources. For example, while the city’s excellent NYC Health + Hospitals system offers robust diabetes support, access often requires a referral from one of its primary care providers. Various non-profits provide valuable educational resources, but few can offer a comprehensive, multi-location, direct-service model with the backing of a major health plan. EmblemHealth’s program fills a critical gap, offering a low-barrier option for any New Yorker seeking help.

As a not-for-profit entity, EmblemHealth is mandated to reinvest its earnings into its mission, and this program is a clear example of that principle in action. By funding a free, no-obligation wellness initiative, the insurer is making a long-term investment in the health of the communities it serves, which could ultimately lower healthcare costs for everyone by preventing the costly complications of unmanaged diabetes.

How and Where to Access Support

All New Yorkers can now access the Community Diabetes Wellness Program at six EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care locations. Free, self-service A1C screenings are available during operating hours, with educational courses offered on a rotating basis throughout the year.

The participating centers are:
* Cambria Heights, Queens
* Clove Road, Staten Island
* Crown Heights, Brooklyn
* Duane Street, Manhattan
* Fordham Road, Bronx
* Southern Boulevard, Bronx

The diabetes prevention and management courses cover essential topics like healthy eating, stress management, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. In addition to diabetes-specific services, the Neighborhood Care centers host a variety of general health and wellness classes that are also open to the public. For a full schedule of classes and events, or to find the nearest participating location, New Yorkers can visit emblemhealth.com/diabetes-health.