SAN DIEGO, Nov. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), a leading national health services organization, announced that Preferred Medical Plan, Inc. (PMP) of Coral Gables, Fla. has selected the Silver&Fit exercise and healthy aging program for its Medicare plan members. Preferred Medical Plan, Inc. has launched two Medicare Advantage plans in Miami-Dade County, effective January 1, 2013.
Through the Silver&Fit program, Preferred Medical Plan will provide their members with no-cost access to one of nearly 10,000 participating fitness facilities and exercise centers nationwide. The Silver&Fit membership includes all of the amenities of a standard membership, such as access to weight equipment, cardiovascular equipment and, where available, pools, saunas and whirlpool facilities. In some facilities or centers, members may also participate in exercise classes appropriate for older adults.
Preferred Medical Plan members who are not able to participate at the fitness facility or simply prefer to work out at home may participate, instead, in the Silver&Fit Home Exercise Program. Upon enrollment, members receive a home exercise kit that may focus on strength and exercise, walking, aqua aerobics, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, dance or stress management. Each kit may include items such as DVDs, booklets and Quick Start guides to help members perform exercises at home.
Preferred Medical Plan members will also receive The Silver Slate® quarterly newsletter, access to the SilverandFit.com website and a toll-free hotline to provide information and answer questions about the program. Members also have access to online educational guides or, if requested, DVDs with booklets for home-based health education.
The Silver&Fit program was developed to assist Medicare beneficiaries in beginning or continuing a regular exercise program. Regular exercise has shown to be an important factor in preventing some medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Cardiovascular and strength training can also help members improve their balance and become more flexible, preventing common slips and falls and speeding the recovery period from such injuries. Access to the network of exercise facilities is provided through ASH subsidiary American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc.
About Preferred Medical Plan, Inc. (PMP)
For almost forty years, Preferred Medical Plan, Inc. (PMP) has been arranging quality, low-cost health care coverage for working, uninsured individuals and families in the Miami-Dade and Broward communities. Their extensive network of independently contracted health care providers and facilities ensures that every member receives the most comprehensive care for the best price. PMP is also one of the longest-standing Medicaid managed care health plans in the state. PMP now has launched Medicare Advantage plan offerings in Miami-Dade County beginning January 1, 2013.
Preferred Medical Plan, Inc. is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) which surveys HMOs, ambulatory care centers and other outpatient facilities.
About the Silver&Fit Program
The Silver&Fit program is a product of American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). As part of the Silver&Fit program, members have access to: no-cost or low-cost memberships at a comprehensive network of contracted fitness clubs and exercise centers; the Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program for those unable to participate at a fitness facility or who prefer to work out at home; SilverandFit.com, a website with a variety of health tools and resources specifically designed for older adults; The Silver Slate®, a quarterly newsletter; and a toll-free customer service hotline. Follow Silver&Fit on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SilverandFit.
The Silver&Fit logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13048
About American Specialty Health Inc (ASH)
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national health services organization that provides fitness and exercise programs, population health solutions and specialty health care programs for health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups and trust funds. Headquartered in San Diego, with an operations center in Dallas, ASH has 1,000 employees and administers services for more than 31 million members. Additional products offered through ASH and its subsidiaries include ExerciseRewardsTM and others. For more information about ASH, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800-848-3555. Follow us on Twitter at @ASHCompanies or @Healthyroads and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Healthyroads.