Customers working out at the Capital BlueCross store in the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. (courtesy photo)

The leading health insurance company of the Lehigh Valley launched a new health incentive platform that is proven to dramatically increase customer participation and improve health.

Capital BlueCross announced this year its new Healthy Rewards program, which is available to all employer group customers, individual plan customers, and Medicare plan customers.

“Capital BlueCross’ new Healthy Rewards platform takes the power of health incentives to a whole new level,” said Gary D. St. Hilaire, President and CEO of Capital BlueCross.

The platform differs from conventional health incentive programs, which are usually geared simply to raise greater consumer awareness of one’s health status.

By contrast, the Healthy Rewards platform enables employers to tie incentives to achieving specific health goals, such as optimal blood pressure of weight loss.

“It ties meaningful rewards to measurable results, and the returns on those results are better health at lower costs,” St. Hilaire said. “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.”

Healthy Rewards incentive options can include an insurance premium reduction, Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Arrangement contributions, and reward cards.

Employer groups of 100 or more employees 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 employees, even if they aren’t enrolled in Capital BlueCross coverage.

The Healthy Rewards program is powered by Bravo, a nationwide corporate wellness provider that helps employers and health plans leverage wellness to strengthen their business and optimize their health care investment.

Employers who have partnered with Bravo have experienced upwards of 80 percent employee participation rates, without having to wait years to see the benefits of the program, according to Bravo CEO Jim Pshock.

“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,” Pshock said.

“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,” he said.

Capital BlueCross is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for its customers.

Additionally, 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.

Capital BlueCross has also helped serve the community by supporting economic development through the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). The company is an investor with the organization, and was the presenting sponsor of the LVEDC 2017 Annual Meeting in March.

Additionally, Anne Baum, Lehigh Valley Executive and Vice President, Distribution Channels & Labor Relations at Capital BlueCross, joined the LVEDC Board of Directors last year.