My Health RewardsSM by Medica Generates Greater Understanding of Health
Medica members enrolled in the value-based program My Health Rewards by MedicaSM are learning that their participation can result in better health as well as financial rewards. Meanwhile, engagement rates in the program demonstrate that consumers can be motivated to make positive changes in their health behaviors. The program was introduced at the beginning of 2011 to Medica members who receive their coverage from employers.
My Health Rewards by Medica provides rewards for members who complete health actions such as online health and wellness programs, age/gender preventive cancer screening and biometric screening. Rewards range from gift cards to changes in premium contributions by employers and plan design enhancements. Each employer offering the program decides how to structure the rewards.
“My Health Rewards by Medica proves that when employers provide encouragement and motivation, employees will engage in positive health actions,” said John Naylor, Medica vice president and general manager of commercial sales, renewals and account services. “Not only are we seeing high levels of engagement in the program, but through the personalization the program provides our members are seeing real benefits to their health.”
The health activities include completing a health assessment and biometric screening, reading health topics and setting health goals. Eligible members also earn rewards for participating in Medica’s health coaching program. During the first nine months of the program, 60 percent of members completed the health assessment while 40 percent completed health topics and set health goals. Those participation rates are 7.5 times higher for the health assessment and eight times higher for the health topics and goals than participation rates in programs that offer fewer rewards.About a third of eligible members, 34 percent, also completed biometric screening and 14 percent participated in health coaching.
More importantly, Medica members are benefiting from improved health as a result of their participation in the program.
Personal Stories
The goal of My Health Rewards by Medica is to help members better understand their health and the things they can do to improve it. Members have written Medica with their experiences with the program.
Said one: “By taking the initial health assessment to get the gift card, the health and wellness site has given me opportunities to learn more about my own health issues and other topics I'm curious about. I started working with a health coach and found that to be an instrumental tool for change in my life. She has helped me with understanding my own motivations, thinking processes regarding my health and she's encouraged me to continue to progress in a positive way, to some new goals.
“I applaud Medica's efforts to offer the health and wellness site to customers to spur insight and change in people's lives. Also the free health coaching has been terrific in finding a person who will support my change and growth. Thank you very much.”
About Medica
Medica is a health insurance company headquartered in Minneapolis and active in the Upper Midwest. With nearly 1.6 million members, the non-profit company provides health care coverage in the employer, individual, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Part D markets in Minnesota and a growing number of counties in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Medica also offers national network coverage to employers who also have employees outside the Medica regional network.
Medica has the highest accreditation status, Excellent, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA®) for its Minnesota Medicaid HMO plans and commercial health plans in Minnesota and North Dakota. Medica’s vision is to become the community’s health plan of choice, trusted for its integrity, respected for its service, and admired for its commitment to innovation and efficiency.
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