Healthways, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to Provide SilverSneakers Fitness Program to Medicare Advantage Members
Business Wire, Dec 03, 2009
Agreement Brings SilverSneakers Fitness
Program Access to 47,000 Members
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Healthways, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWAY) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North
Carolina (BCBSNC) today announced an agreement to provide the Healthways
SilverSneakers Fitness Program, the nations leading exercise program
for older adults, to 47,000 Blue Medicare HMOSM and Blue
Medicare PPOSM members beginning in January 2010.
The award-winning SilverSneakers Fitness Program offers an innovative
blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle direction and social
opportunities that help Medicare-eligible individuals to take greater
control of their health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle.
Studies have found older adults who participate in SilverSneakers are
admitted to the hospital less often, have lower overall healthcare costs
and a significantly lower risk of depression.
While regular exercise is a crucial part of healthy living for people
of all ages, it is particularly effective in preventing or managing
chronic diseases for older adults, said Rene Ellington, Healthways
leader for SilverSneakers client management. SilverSneakers makes
exercising an enjoyable and social experience, and were pleased to
partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to provide
this valuable program to Blue Medicare HMO and Blue Medicare PPO
members.
“We know our members want to stay healthy and active, and this benefit
helps them do just that,” said Drew Narayan, director of marketing for
BCBSNC. There’s no additional cost to our members, and they can access
health clubs in their community or use the walking program. And on top
of it all, it’s fun.”
With the SilverSneakers premier network, eligible BCBS of North Carolina
members will receive access to a variety of participating fitness and
wellness locations. Many sites offer amenities such as fitness
equipment, treadmills and free weights, in addition to the signature
SilverSneakers classes designed specifically for older adults and taught
by certified instructors. Signature classes, such as YogaStretch and
SilverSplash may also be available at select locations. A
designated staff member will assist members along the way.
With the addition of more than 6,000 Curves locations to the
SilverSneakers network in 2009, eligible members now have even more
options for getting fit, having fun and making friends. Theres even an
exercise option for members living 15 miles or more from a
SilverSneakers participating location
personal fitness training
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