Lower Costs, Healthier Choices

(Grand Rapids, Mich. - May 25, 2007)  Employers can now save up to 13 percent on health care premiums while improving the health of their employees with HealthbyChoice Incentives^SM, a new product introduced today by Priority Health, a Michigan-based health plan.  The new product option provides an employer's workforce with dual-level benefits: an enriched level of benefits for those who choose to follow certain health requirements and a standard plan for those who choose not to.

"HealthbyChoice Incentives is part of Priority Health's growing portfolio of consumer-engaged health plans, programs and services," said Leon Lamoreaux, vice president of business development for Priority Health. "It combines a health plan and wellness program into one product that offers a strong incentive for employees to make healthier choices while also lowering costs significantly for employers."

Healthier lifestyle choices may translate into less absenteeism and increased productivity, which can positively affect an employer's bottom line. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50 percent of today's health care costs are attributable to health risks that can be modified by lifestyle behaviors such as diet and activity.

Priority Health is offering HealthbyChoice Incentives with four HMO options and four PPO options.  The product is available for employers with two or more eligible employees.  With two benefit levels, the plan offers employers a "combined" rate that is less costly than traditional benefit plans.

The HealthbyChoice Incentives plan year begins with all members having the better of two benefit levels requiring lower copayments and out-of-pocket costs.  In order to maintain the "choice" or richer level of benefits, members and their spouses must complete an online health risk assessment and have a doctor submit a qualification form on their behalf.  The form indicates whether or not they meet the criteria for three health indicators often associated with chronic illness and other health issues:  tobacco use, excess weight and high blood pressure.

If the member doesn't meet these criteria, they can still retain the higher benefit level if they have two additional lab tests and follow a health plan recommended by their doctor. These qualifications must be met within the first 90 days of the effective date of the plan.  Individuals who choose not to meet these requirements are transferred on the ninety-first day to a standard benefit level and pay more for their health care.  The "standard" level still provides great coverage but requires higher copayments and out-of-pocket costs than the "choice" benefit design.

Priority Health provides an array of Web-based tools, disease management programs, exercise classes and other wellness resources to support members. 

Learn more about Priority Health health management resources
Learn more about Priority Health wellness classes

About Priority Health
Priority Health is a nationally recognized health plan company based in Michigan. It serves more than 585,000 members with a broad portfolio of products including commercial and government health plans. Priority Health is a non-profit company governed by a volunteer board of directors. Dedicated to providing all people access to affordable health care, Priority Health ranks number two in Michigan and thirteenth in the nation by U.S. News and World Report magazine and the National Committee for Quality Assurance.