BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Dec. 14, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the impact of health promotion programs on improving the health and wellness of employees, increasing employee morale and improving productivity, CIGNA HealthCare will expand its Healthy Rewards(R) health and wellness discount amenity program. In addition to an expanded vision care network and additional mind/body programs, changes to Healthy Rewards will provide members with additional opportunities to combat obesity through greater access to weight management programs, like Jenny Craig.
"An estimated 65 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese and either have or are at risk for serious obesity-related health problems that impact quality of life, employee productivity and medical costs," said Diana Wynne, program manager for CIGNA Healthy Rewards. "However, research has shown that even modest weight losses of 5 to 15 percent of body weight can help reduce the risk of obesity and all of the associated illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, some forms of cancer and gall bladder disease."
To help members achieve these weight management goals, Healthy Rewards' new weight management programs will include the addition of a discounted membership to Jenny Craig. This comprehensive weight loss program includes one-on-one consultations to provide personalized guidance in the areas of food, body and mind that enable employees to make long-term lifestyle changes.
Another change in 2006, the Healthy Rewards vision care network will be expanded to include LensCrafters, increasing the network providers available to nearly 15,000. Increased discounts will be available on eyewear and vision exams. Discounts on Yoga Journal products are also now available to Healthy Rewards members. These apply to Yoga Journal magazine, DVDs and conferences.
"Driving healthy behavior requires a multidimensional approach to health: physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual," said Diana Wynne, program manager for CIGNA Healthy Rewards. "The expansion of Healthy Rewards gives employers the tools to build a culture of health that improves employee accountability, health productivity and satisfaction while lowering costs."
These new programs will add to the array of Healthy Rewards programs introduced in 2005 to promote wellness and lifestyle management, including:
-- Mayo Clinic Bookstore - CIGNA members receive a discount on purchases of health and wellness books from the Mayo Clinic Bookstore website. -- Just Walk 10,000 Steps a Day(TM) - Just Walk 10,000 Steps-a-Day (TM), from Cornerstone Fitness, Inc., features an ACCUSPLIT X 120 digital pedometer and an eight-week online program that allows members to log daily steps, track progress and receive coaching tips and fun facts. -- Nicotine Replacement - The Tobacco Solutions(TM) program offered includes a variety of nicotine replacement therapies, including patches, gum and lozenges, in quantities to last for one, two or four weeks.
Healthy Rewards(R) is one of the nation's most robust amenity programs, offering discounts of up to 60 percent on a variety of health and wellness products and services, including but not limited to anti-cavity products, chiropractic care, eyewear, contact lenses, fitness club memberships, guided imagery and mind-body techniques, health and wellness products, hearing care, laser vision correction, magazine subscriptions, massage therapy, natural supplements, tobacco cessation, and weight management. The program is available to CIGNA's medical, dental and behavioral members.
Healthy Rewards is just one of CIGNA's many programs that promote the health and wellness of members including:
-- myCIGNA.com -- CIGNA's personalized web portal, myCIGNA.com, gives members access to a suite of online decision support and health maintenance tools from WebMD Health. -- Healthy Kids Challenge: CIGNA has paired with Healthy Kids Challenge to help combat obesity in youth and begin educational programming with elementary school-age children to encourage exercise and proper nutrition. -- CIGNA Well-Aware for Better Health(SM) -- CIGNA HealthCare today provides the largest population-based disease management program in the country in collaboration with American Healthways, Inc. Over 600,000 people are enrolled in its programs for asthma, cardiac care (congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease), diabetes, low back pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. -- CIGNA Health Advisors: The CIGNA Health Advisor(SM) program gives members access to a nurse health coach, available by phone or email, who can provide personalized support for a variety of health concerns.
*Some of the features of the Healthy Rewards(R) program are not available in all states.
The Healthy Rewards(R) discount program is offered at no additional cost to employers or members, as a way to enhance their benefit plans and meet the growing demand for complementary care services. It is provided as an advantage of plan participation and is not part of the benefit plan. Healthy Rewards(R) is not a covered benefit or an insurance program. Members do not need referrals, nor do they file claims to obtain discounts. They obtain discounts by presenting their member identification card. The program discounts cannot be applied to any co-payment or coinsurance for services covered under the member's benefit plan. Members schedule appointments directly with service providers and also pay them directly.
CIGNA HealthCare, headquartered in Bloomfield, CT, provides medical benefits plans, dental coverage, behavioral health coverage, pharmacy benefits, and products and services that integrate and analyze information to support consumerism and health advocacy. "CIGNA HealthCare" refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation . Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.
CIGNA HealthCareCONTACT: Nicole Blatcher of CIGNA HealthCare, +1-215-761-4756
Web site: http://www.cigna.com//
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