Highmark
Blue Shield to offer
National Senior Fitness
Program... SilverSneakers(R)
Fitness Program helps older adults stay active
CAMP HILL, Pa., Dec. 22, 2003 --
Beginning Jan. 1, 2004, members enrolled in any of Highmark Blue
Shield's MedigapBlue Medicare supplemental products may take advantage
of a unique fitness program. Designed to encourage physical activity
among seniors, the program called SilverSneakers(R) complements the
broad range of wellness and lifestyle programs offered through the
insurer's health promotion and disease prevention division.
With the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, MedigapBlue members receive
a free basic fitness center membership, health education and specialized
low- impact exercise classes that focus on improving and increasing
strength, endurance and mobility.
"The SilverSneakers program helps
members maintain and improve their balance, strength and flexibility --
all of which help with everyday activities," said Judith Black,
M.D., Highmark medical director of senior products. "Our members
will have access to classes designed for older adults at a variety of
locations, such as fitness centers and senior centers."
About 30 local fitness and senior
centers have agreed to participate in the program. Class sites are
chosen based on the distance from members' homes, equipment and programs
available and staff capabilities. Information about the program and a
list of participating fitness centers will be mailed to eligible members
in December.
"Engaging in regular physical
activity reduces risk for chronic diseases such as cancer, heart
disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. It also greatly enhances quality of
life and helps individuals retain personal independence," said Brad
Pifalo, M.D., vice president of Highmark's health and wellness division.
Highmark Blue Shield will offer the
program with HealthCare Dimensions (HCD), a national company that
promotes health through unique physical activity programs and venues.
HCD manages and sells programs to large consumer groups such as health
insurance companies, and many of their programs are targeted to specific
populations including older adults. Its signature offering is the
SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program.
As of January 1, 2004, 19 health plans
in 14 states will offer the program at no additional cost to more than
1.2 million Medicare-eligible members through a network of more than 550
contracted SilverSneakers(R) fitness centers across the United States.
More than 47,000 Central Pennsylvania
seniors are covered through MedigapBlue's six Medicare supplemental
options. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue
Shield Association.
Now,
keep up to date with daily feeds of newly posted stories about America's
Seniors...click on the box to the left