Medicare Muscle

( 0 Votes )

Friday, 22 October 2010 18:18

Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 2010 — Beginning next January 1, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will offer the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program free-of-charge to 93,000 members of BlueCross Medicare Advantage medical plans and Medicare Supplement Plans throughout the state. www.silversneakers.com SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults. As part of the program, eligible BlueAdvantage and Medicare Supplement Plan members will have access to a variety of participating fitness and wellness facilities throughout Tennessee, including YMCAs, Curves® and many others. At each facility, certified SilverSneaker instructors will teach specialized fitness classes. “Seniors recognize the importance of fitness in maintaining and improving their quality of life,” said Tammy Helton, manager of government product development for BlueCross. “Participation in SilverSneakers offers an enjoyable option for exercise, to make new friends and more. We’re happy to offer this benefit to our members.” Research has shown SilverSneakers improves the health of participants through a combination of exercise and social support. A 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found SilverSneakers provided real health benefits for high-risk members. The study showed those with diabetes who were active in SilverSneakers are admitted to the hospital less often, have lower inpatient care costs and have significant reduction in overall health care costs after only a year of participation. Current and new BlueAdvantage and Medicare Supplement Plan members can join the program at no additional cost beyond their monthly premiums. The program is not available for BlueRx subscribers. BlueAdvantage and Medicare Supplement Plan members who reside 15 miles or further from a participating location have access to the SilverSneakers Steps program. SilverSneakers Steps members receive a kit that includes a step counter, exercise bands, an exercise DVD, exercise illustration cards, and a drawstring bag to store their Steps program tools. For a list of participating locations or to inquire about SilverSneakers Steps, members can call 1-888-423-4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s senior care division serves many of the state’s Medicare beneficiaries through its Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D products and services. Its mission is to deliver creative, simple solutions that preserve health and enhance life. This is achieved by use of health information technology, health coaching, care management and an array of programs and products that help drive improved quality and work to keep costs affordable for its members. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit www.bcbst-medicare.com. The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is offered by Healthways, a leading provider of specialized, comprehensive solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and well-being and, as a result, reduce overall costs. Founded in 1992, SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming that allows older adults to take greater control of their health. For more information on SilverSneakers, call 480.783.9555 or visit www.silversneakers.com. SOURCE: SilverSneakers < Prev   Next >