Oregon's Health CO-OP rewarding members for healthy choices…with real money

PORTLAND, Ore., April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- From the start, Oregon's Health CO-OP has been encouraging Oregonians to be actively involved in their health. As a non-profit consumer governed health insurer, the CO-OP has broken through the walls that traditionally separate insurer from customer, turning "customers" into members, each with the opportunity to steer the CO-OP forward. Now the CO-OP is taking things to an entirely new level with Wellness Rewards that put as much as $300 into the pockets of their SiMPLE plan members, 18-years of age and older. 

How the rewards work 

SiMPLE plan members already have access to a range of revolutionary benefits, from no coinsurance, to naturopaths for primary care, to flat copayments and more. With the newly announced Wellness Awards, these members can also earn a $100 reward for each of three actions. 

Take a simple Health Style Survey. Earn $100.

This quick quiz is intended to help members understand and raise awareness about their current level of health. Doing so is simple and helps identify areas to work on to achieve better wellbeing. SiMPLE plan members complete the Health Style Survey available on Member Bridge, the CO-OP's members-only website. This fun, informative survey literally takes 10 minutes to complete. 

 Identify your primary care physician. Earn $100. 

A relationship with a primary care provider is a key to wellness and opens the door to preventative services, including an annual check-up, now free through the Affordable Care Act.  Members identify their in-network primary care provider by simply calling our customer service line. 

 Engage in some online Health and Wellness activities. Earn $100.

This reward helps motivate people to become active and engaged around their health.   Members complete Eight Health Challenges or activities, available in late spring, to build knowledge, skill and confidence in improving their health. The health challenges are part of Flourish, an e-health program on the Member Bridge site.

Real money and real benefits 

Members earn the rewards separately—each $100 check will be mailed within four-to-six weeks after the completed activity. Members do not need to complete all three activities.  

As Dr. Ralph Prows, CEO of Oregon's Health CO-OP, explains, the Six Health Challenges will be a mix of online and offline activities, from taking health-related quizzes and watching videos, to posting healthy goal reminders in your home. 

"The Challenges are really about ongoing education and self-paced awareness. After you complete one challenge, you receive a badge which will unlock the next challenge." Throughout this phase, Health Coaches will be sending messages to members designed to reinforce their healthy practices. 

When and how can members begin? 

The CO-OP is encouraging members to start earning their rewards as soon as possible, or within the first six months of membership. Members can get started by registering on Member Bridge, the member's only website, and taking the "Health Style Survey." 

Once they have done so, they can search the Provider Directory on ohcoop.org to find and verify that their provider is in-network, then call Customer Service at 503-488-2833, or toll-free at 1-855-722-8207. The Health Challenges will become available on Member Bridge later in the spring. 

SOURCE Oregon's Health CO-OP