EmblemHealth Incorporates Workplace Wellness Program in All Products for Groups in Excess of 50 Employees

NEW YORK, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the growing awareness that keeping people healthy can reduce health care costs, EmblemHealth now includes its Wellness PATH program in all EmblemHealth-branded products for groups in excess of 50 employees.

The announcement was made by William Gillespie, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for EmblemHealth, Inc., the New York-based health insurance provider, who said the Wellness PATH program offered in conjunction with Healthyroads, Inc. offers employees heath risk assessments; wellness coaching for weight management,  stress reduction, and healthy living; employer-based health challenges to help employees change behavior; and member support. EmblemHealth expects that groups of 51 to 99 employees who purchase these plans and take advantage of the wellness services may qualify for federal subsidies in 2011 under the new health care reform for comprehensive workplace wellness programs.

"We are very pleased with the reception and success of the wellness program offered to our own employees," says Dr. Gillespie. "Now we are delighted to offer a plan that permits other employers to help their employees become healthier while reducing their own costs. In fact, we believe to be the only plan in New York that automatically includes such a comprehensive wellness program as part of its standard benefit package."

According to Dr. Gillespie, the wellness program is part of the growing recognition of the role prevention plays in keeping people healthy and controlling health care costs.  For employers, wellness programs mean increased productivity, employee satisfaction and reduced medical costs. For employees, they offer improved health and well-being, lower medical costs, and improved quality of life and longevity for those who take advantage.

Studies have shown that the average rate of return on investment is three-fold, with over 50 percent of the financial benefit going to employers in the form of improved productivity.  A study in the February 2010 issue of the Journal of Health Affairs found that workplace wellness programs reduce medical costs by about $3.27 for every dollar spent, and absenteeism costs fall by about $2.73 for every dollar spent.

To start, the Wellness PATH program offers employees an online health risk assessment that includes questions about health, personal medical history, biometrics and living habits. A personal health report details areas for improvement, and a personal health plan includes exercise and nutrition planning, and an assessment. Those at medium and high risk are contacted to participate in personal health coaching. The program also includes e-coaching classes, health trackers, a wellness library, and daily e-mail reminders.  People who want to quit smoking will be referred to the American Cancer Society for tobacco cessation coaching. Member support is available by phone.  

About EmblemHealth:

EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides affordable, quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.3 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO programs, as well as prescription drug, dental and vision plans. Plans offer a choice of networks, including access to over 106,000 quality doctors and other health care professionals and most of the leading hospitals across the tristate region. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.

About Healthyroads and American Specialty Health:

Healthyroads Wellness Programs are provided by Healthyroads, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). ASH is a national health and wellness company that provides population health management programs including prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego since its inception in 1987, ASH has 700 employees and covers over 17.9 million members. For more information about ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 1-800-848-3555.

SOURCE EmblemHealth, Inc.