Early Intervention Reduces Medical Costs in Spite of Increasing Utilization SeeChange Health Executive Tells California Assembly Health Committee

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A state legislative committee considering legislation concerning wellness incentive and rewards programs on Tuesday heard how one approach to such value-based benefit plans can save lives, improve Californians' quality of life and reduce health care spending.

Alan Katz, executive vice president of SeeChange Health (www.SeeChangeHealth.com), testified before lawmakers that the company's approach to wellness programs has the ability to reduce medical spending even while increasing utilization in the short-term. "SeeChange Health's approach to wellness is based on three proven strategies. First, the financial rewards we offer members are meaningful, consistent and recurring. Second, our rewards are based on what members do, not on who they are. Third, we use objective standards from respected third parties such as the US Preventive Services Task Force to establish those health actions," Katz told the committee.

"The result is serious and chronic conditions are brought to light earlier than would otherwise be the case. And the impact of this fact is powerful," Katz said.

Katz described how early-stage treatment of breast cancer costs, on average, nearly $14,000 per year while late-stage treatment averages $61,000 -- a difference of $47,000 for one patient in one year. "Even more important, early intervention saves lives and can greatly improve patients' quality of life," he added.

A copy of Katz's testimony before the Assembly Health Committee is available in the news section of the SeeChange Health website (http://www.seechangehealth.com/SitePages/news.aspx).

About SeeChange Health

SeeChange Health is the leader in value-based benefit design solutions for employers - delivering plans and services to create better health and quality of life for employees, increase workforce productivity and lower their health care costs for employers. SeeChange Health's unique approach encourages individuals to play an active role in the management of their own health to prevent, detect and treat today's most serious health conditions. SeeChange Health Insurance provides value-based benefit plans to fully insured small and mid-size businesses. SeeChange Health Solutions provides value-based benefit platforms and services to self-insured companies and carriers.

For more information, please go to www.SeeChangeHealth.com.

Contact:

Susan Cotton
(818) 824-9164
[email protected]

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SOURCE SeeChange Health