SAN DIEGO, Jan. 5, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading health and wellness company American Specialty Health (ASH) has introduced a Value-Based Program Design to incentivize its employees to participate in various health improvement activities. As described below, there are three components to the ASH Value-Based Program Design.
"With our first Value-Based Program Design, throughout 2010, we will contribute an extra five percent of health premium costs on behalf of employees who complete our Healthyroads Personal Health Assessment (PHA), and an additional five percent for those who also sign an attestation that they do not use tobacco, complete a biometric screening, and meet two of the following three requirements: maintain a BMI of 20 to 29; maintain a healthy blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or lower, and; maintain a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or lower," said ASH chairman and CEO George DeVries.
In the last few weeks, 76 percent of ASH's employees participated in biometric screenings. In addition, 78 percent of employees completed ASH's PHA.
In the second Value-Based Program Design, employees can earn financial incentives for being physically active throughout 2010. Employees who record at least 500,000 steps per quarter, or a half hour of intensive exercise for at least 63 days per quarter, will earn a $100 gift card each calendar quarter for their efforts. Employees will utilize a wireless accelerometer or a heart rate monitor watch subsidized by Healthyroads to track activity. The wireless accelerometer and the heart rate monitor will both download all activity data to Healthyroads.com for tracking purposes. Self-reported activity will not be counted; Healthyroads will provide all incentive program administration.
In the third Value-Based Program Design component, employees who participate in the Healthyroads(R) Lifestyle Coaching Program for tobacco cessation, weight management, and healthy living will receive reimbursements throughout 2010 for their co-payments on diabetes and tobacco cessation prescription drugs. The expectation is that compliance with physician recommendations will improve and potential complications will be reduced.
The Value-Based Program Designs are part of a continuing effort by ASH to improve the health of employees, reduce health care costs, and "walk the talk" of a 21st century health and wellness company.
"A healthy workforce is critical to helping the U.S. control escalating health costs and compete in the global marketplace," said DeVries. "As an innovator and leader in employee wellness benefits, health coaching, and fitness, we constantly strive to set an example for how employers can positively influence good health behaviors and enhance employee health and well-being."
ASH has long been recognized for its healthy workplace practices. It was named among the "Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles" by the National Business Group on Health (2009, 2008), one of America's Fittest Companies by Men's Fitness magazine (2008), and received Silver "Fit Business" awards from the California Taskforce on Youth and Workplace Wellness for the last three years.
About American Specialty Health and Healthyroads
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national company that provides population health and wellness 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, ASH has more than 700 employees and covers over 15.6 million members.
Healthyroads, Inc. is the prevention and wellness services subsidiary of ASH. Healthyroads offers a wide range of wellness solutions-including award-winning telephone-based lifestyle coaching programs for a broad range of lifestyle areas, incentive management programs, wellness challenges, worksite wellness programs and its integrated online wellness portal, Healthyroads.com.
For more information about ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.