What is Blue Cross doing to advance good health? Here’s some background on recent initiatives.
$1 Tobacco tax proposal
In December 2004, Blue Cross announced a legislative proposal to increase the state tobacco tax by $1.00, which should significantly reduce smoking rates and improve the health of Minnesotans. The money generated would offset health care taxes paid by small businesses.
do> physical activity campaign
In November 2004, Blue Cross and the American Heart Association launched do>, a campaign to counter the state’s alarming physical inactivity trend. do> encourages Minnesotans to groove their bodies for 10 minutes of physical activity three times a day. The campaign will run in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Duluth through December 2005.
Social Security numbers
To protect member privacy, Blue Cross has developed a new system for identifying members that eliminates the use of Social Security numbers.
Health management program/fitness center discounts
As part of the BluePrint for Health® health improvement programs, Blue Cross offers the only integrated, measurable employee health assessment/coaching program in the market. It proactively engages employees in taking an active role in their health. It includes a $20/month fitness center credit for eligible members who work out at least eight days per month at participating fitness centers.
Market-leading HSA/HRA products
Blue Cross was – in January 2004 – one of the first health plans nationally to offer health plans paired with health savings accounts. While other health insurers are scrambling to develop their HSA products, Blue Cross has already taken them to the next level, allowing members to invest a portion of their accounts in the stock market through Schwab. Blue Cross also offers health reimbursement accounts and has developed an extensive online service center for members to access their accounts and find tools for determining cost and quality of care.
Nation-leading disease management
Blue Cross has expanded what was already the most extensive disease management program in the country, adding chronic kidney disease, depression and nine forms of cancer. Blue Cross now offers this high-tech, phone-based nurse support to members with any one of more than 40 chronic conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, low back pain and fibromyalgia. When these new programs are fully implemented, nearly 200,000 members will benefit. By helping people live healthier and avoid preventable trips to the emergency room and hospital, these programs save more than $2 for every $1 invested.
