Wellness programs are important benefits that subscribers and their families can add to their traditional plans when living a healthy lifestyle. These programs can provide a variety of perks, including premium discounts, cash rewards, gym memberships and other incentives.
Below are specific wellness programs with the most popular health insurance carriers across the Greater Rochester / Western New York region, along with ways that you, as a subscriber, can make sure that you maximize these opportunities. Note: These benefits are specific to community-rated plans through the carriers listed below (i.e., those with under 100 eligible employees).
Excellus BCBS:
Excellus’ Exercise Rewards Program provides benefits for exercising and a potential reimbursement for your dues. By working out at a qualifying fitness facility or exercise center 50 times per six-month period within their plan year, a subscriber can be reimbursed up to $200 of their membership dues. Additionally, if the subscriber’s spouse/partner works out 50 times in the same period, they will be reimbursed up to $100 of membership dues. To get started, download the ASHConnect app or manually track your visits by paper log with a printout of your visits from your fitness facility.
Excellus also has an online discount program called Blue365. Deals include specials on gym memberships, workout equipment, LASIK eye surgery, diet programs and more.
MVP Health Care:
MVP’s policies provide the opportunity to earn up to $600 in MVP WellBeing Rewards each plan year. Through MVP, up to $200 in reimbursements are available towards gym and fitness club memberships, youth sports and fitness programs or healthy weight support programs. You can earn another $200 by syncing your account to a fitness device or app that tracks your activity online. Finally, you can earn the last $200 by completing health-related activities, such as:
- Completing a Personal Health Assessment (PHA)
- Completing online courses
- Signing up to receive a daily wellness email
- Completing an annual physical with your primary care provider
- Attending an MVP-sponsored biometric screening event (must be submitted by 12/1)
Collecting these rewards is easy. Just create an online account at www.mvphealthcare.com.
Univera Healthcare:
Univera’s Wellness Rewards program allows members to receive up to $300 annually to be used on different health-driven programs and services. The benefits are available by registering online and submitting proof of purchase for eligible programs or services. Once approved, a Wellness Rewards debit card will be sent in the mail. These debit cards can be used anywhere, giving members the flexibility of choosing the healthy programs that fit their lifestyle. These Wellness Rewards benefits are included in all Univera Access medical plans.
Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of WNY:
Highmark BCBS of WNY provides subscribers with a no-strings-attached $250 wellness debit card that can be used by subscribers when making healthy choices. The following are eligible expenses:
- Fitness centers and gyms
- Health food stores
- Weight Watchers®
- Sports programs and camps
- Charity runs, rides and walks
- Products purchased from Fitbit®
- Acupuncture treatments
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic visits
Independent Health:
Independent Health offers unique wellness benefits to its subscribers, including a nutrition benefit partnership with TOPS Friendly Markets and its FitWorks Reward monthly Visa card, through which you can earn up to $250/month based on your activity. Independent Health will also reimburse you up to $400/year for gym membership dues, and offers a Health Extras program, which provides a $250 debit care for additional wellness services. Visit this page for more information.
As you can see, there are many added benefits available to you as a subscriber with any of the above health insurance carriers—on top of your summary of benefits. If you have questions about your medical policy, please feel free to reach out to your Bond Account Team directly.
Mark Shannon
Benefits & Medicare Consultant
585-248-5870, ext. 157