PITTSBURGH, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the solutions to the high cost of health care is to encourage and reward employees who take more responsibility for their health.
Highmark's latest consumer-driven program -- Highmark Lifestyle Returns(SM) -- is intended to help employers support their employees in becoming more involved in their health, reward them for their efforts and, over the long-run, even help lower demand for medical services, which could have a positive impact on an employer's care costs.
"Highmark Lifestyle Returns is an innovative program that will change employees' role in their health coverage," said Dr. Michael Dubroff, a Highmark medical director. "By following the program requirements, they can take important steps toward a healthier lifestyle."
Lifestyle Returns, which is offered with Highmark PPOBlue coverage to companies with 51 or more employees, is a five-step program that begins with an online pledge. Employees promise to be more involved in their health by taking a comprehensive self-health evaluation. They then participate in two lifestyle improvement or condition management programs; or participate in one program, plus contact Blues on Call(SM); and access at least one online self- care guide and complete an online follow-up survey about the guide.
Employees will also complete the Wellness Profile at the Highmark member Web site. Based on the results, the profile will generate an individual action plan to better health. Recommendations may include lifestyle improvement programs to deal with such health issues as smoking, nutrition, weight management and stress management. For employees with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, back pain, asthma or depression, profile recommendations may include condition management programs that provide them with in-depth information on their condition.
Lifestyle Returns encourages employees to take advantage of Blues On Call care support, either online or over the phone. Blues On Call health coaches are specially trained registered nurses who can assist with a health assessment, provide confidential health information and discuss treatment options, including self-care when appropriate.
In addition, the program includes worksite health promotion classes, YMCA and hospital-based classes, online programs, benefit designs that encourage preventive care, plus an employer-sponsored reward/incentive for members. Some examples of rewards can include a lower employee contribution, a higher level of benefits and end-of-year rebate or non-cash incentive.
As one of the state's leading health insurers, Pittsburgh-based Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield serves 3.1 million members in 29 Western Pennsylvania counties. The company's mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information about Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, visit www.highmark.com.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldCONTACT: Phil Neubauer of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,+1-412-544-4221, or phil.neubauer@highmark.com
Web site: http://www.highmark.com/
