Capital BlueCross Launches New Health Incentive Platform Proven to Dramatically Increase Customer Participation, Improve Health

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross today announced the company is launching a new platform for its Healthy Rewards health incentives program that is proven to dramatically increase participation by health plan customers and improve participants' health.

The platform, powered by Bravo, will be available to all Capital BlueCross employer group customers, individual plan customers and Medicare plan customers beginning January 1, 2017.

While conventional health incentive programs are geared to simply raise greater consumer awareness of one's health status, Capital BlueCross' new platform enables employers to tie incentives to achieving specific health goals such as optimal blood pressure or weight loss.

Healthy Rewards incentive options can include insurance premium reduction, Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Arrangement contributions, and reward cards. Employer groups of 100 or more employees will have the option of customizing the program with their own reward options that are aligned with their organization's participation and health improvement goals.

With the new platform, employers can also make Capital BlueCross' Healthy Rewards program available to all of their company's employees, even if they aren't enrolled in Capital BlueCross coverage.

"Capital BlueCross' new Healthy Rewards platform takes the power of health incentives to a whole new level. It ties meaningful rewards to measurable results. And the returns on those results are better health at lower costs." said Gary D. St. Hilaire, president and CEO of Capital BlueCross. "We are more than an insurance company.  Capital BlueCross is committed to leading the change in healthcare and working with companies like Bravo to deliver innovation in preventive care and healthy living to our customers."

Capital BlueCross' new platform for its Healthy Rewards program is powered by Bravo's data-driven approach to wellness as a solution for health plans and employers.

"Employers who have partnered with Bravo have experienced upwards of 80 percent employee participation rates.  And they won't have to wait years to see the benefits of the program," said Jim Pshock, CEO of Bravo. "Companies embracing the strategy of linking high-value activities and meaningful health improvement with incentives that make the effort worthwhile have experienced sustained savings of three to 10 percent of current health care costs, depending on how their program is structured. We are eager to bring the benefits of our approach to Capital BlueCross' individual and employer group customers throughout its Central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley service area."

Customers interact with the platform using an easy-to-use participant web portal. The portal is mobile-optimized, such that it looks and feels like a mobile app when viewed on a smartphone or tablet device without customers having to download an app.

In addition to tracking all their Healthy Reward program activities in the portal, customers can sync their wearable fitness devices, access a range of online coaching videos, find healthy recipes, and read posts on a variety of health topics aimed at helping them maintain good health and achieve the incentivized health improvement.

About Capital BlueCross
Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community's health for nearly 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.

More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.

About Bravo
Bravo is a nationwide corporate wellness provider that helps employers and health plans leverage wellness to strengthen their business and optimize their healthcare investment. Through motivating and equipping the heart of their business, their people, Bravo helps all levels of an organization achieve their best personal health. Learn more at www.bravowell.com.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross