Carriers are trying to get serious about efforts to help patients improve their own health.[@@]
CIGNA Behavioral Health, Eden Prairie, Minn., is working with Leade Health Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich., to introduce 3 personalized wellness programs to help program members cope with stress, weight problems and tobacco addiction.
CIGNA Behavioral is an arm of CIGNA Corp., Philadelphia, a national managed care company, but it is offering the "lifestyle management programs" through employee assistance programs. Participating in the programs will be free for plan members, CIGNA says.
The programs will combine the services of a "personal coach," customized educational materials, and discounts for programs such as the Weight Watchers weight loss program, CIGNA Behavioral says.
Another big carrier, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, Calif., will be offering the 10,000 Steps walking program to 8.2 million Kaiser members in 9 states and the District of Columbia.
