Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Engages Members to Live Healthier Through Enhanced Health and Wellness Program
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is taking health and wellness to the next level with access to personalized health coaching, on-line Healthy Living behavioral change programs, and more robust disease and care management programs through its enhanced HealthyBlue program for eligible members.
In a study conducted on the health of Arizonans by WestGroup Research for BCBSAZ last summer, 79 percent of the respondents indicated their health could be improved.
“Providing our members access to tools and resources available to live a healthier lifestyle is a top priority for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, said Gary D. Smethers, M.D., senior vice president of health services and chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Our enhanced Healthy Blue program goes beyond just educating members about important health and wellness information by engaging them to live healthier lifestyles through individualized programs and personal contact.”
BCBSAZ is working with Matria Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ:MATR) to provide the comprehensive suite of health enhancement programs and services.
“We are excited about the opportunity to provide an integrated and comprehensive healthcare solution that truly optimizes health and productivity, and at the same time, reduces medical expense trends,” said Parker H. Petit, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matria. “Leading health plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, are recognizing the benefits derived from fully integrated health enhancement solutions that address the full continuum of care including lifestyle management, behavior modification, and prevention and management of chronic illnesses.”
The gateway to the HealthyBlue tools and resources is the online health assessment, My BluePrint. The assessment provides feedback on the member’s overall health, it tracks the member’s health over time and it leads the member into the other HealthyBlue programs. The enhanced version provides a more comprehensive assessment and increased functionality for the member.
With the enhanced HealthyBlue program, members can now access health coaches to help set goals and teach them how to maintain healthier habits independently. One-on-one health support and guidance is available for weight management, tobacco cessation, physical activity, stress management, heart health and diabetes prevention.
Members can also take advantage of discounts on nationally recognized weight-loss programs, massage therapy, vitamins, acupuncture and many other health-related products and services.
HealthyBlue has also expanded its Healthy Living programs which are available and designed to encourage changes in behavior based on individual health care needs. Participants receive weekly e-mail reminders and a to-do list of actions to help in reaching their health goals. The programs offer step-by-step reinforcement of health-related choices, providing participants with a pathway to healthy living changes in more than 10 key areas of health.
Included in the HealthyBlue suite of services are interactive health tools including online health news, interactive and searchable health guides, access to WalkingWorks, information for expectant parents through the online Pregnancy Health Center, a hospital comparison tool, symptom guides and more.
Members can get started on their plan to healthier living by visiting azblue.com/HealthyBlue.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is the largest Arizona-based health insurance company. The not-for-profit company was founded in 1939 and provides health insurance products, services or networks to more than 1.1 million individuals. With offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tempe and Tucson, the company employs more than 1,500 Arizonans. For information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and its community programs such as WalkingWorks, please visit www.azblue.com.
About Matria Healthcare
Matria Healthcare is a leading provider of integrated comprehensive health enhancement programs to health plans, employers and government agencies. Matria is dedicated to developing better educated, motivated and self-enabled healthcare consumers and supporting clinicians in managing the care of their patients. The Company manages major chronic diseases and episodic conditions including diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high-risk obstetrics, cancer, musculoskeletal and chronic pain, depression, obesity, and other conditions. Matria delivers programs that address wellness, healthy living, productivity improvement and navigation of the healthcare system, and provides case management of acute and catastrophic conditions. Headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, Matria operates through nearly 50 offices around the United States. More information about Matria can be found online at www.matria.com.