AmeriHealth New Jersey Launches New Program to Improve Employee Health, Promote Wellness

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Healthy employee behaviors accrue Health Reimbursement Account credits

Iselin, NJ - July 8, 2008 - AmeriHealth New Jersey, a New Jersey-based health care insurance carrier with offices in Iselin and Mt. Laurel, has launched "AmeriHealth Healthy Lifestyles^SM Rewards," a new wellness incentive program that links healthy employee behaviors directly to the accruement of Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) credits. HRAs are IRS-sanctioned arrangements that allow an employer to contribute funds on an employee's behalf. The funds can be applied to medical expenses paid by participating employees.

The new program comprises three core elements: an HRA, a point of service (POS) or preferred provider organization (PPO) medical plan with deductible and coinsurance options when using network providers and, notably, an incentive program that provides HRA credits for healthy behavior.

The result is an integrated solution for health-conscious employers who see the value of providing incentives that encourage employees to engage in healthy behaviors. By earning credits toward their HRAs, employees will see a direct relationship between their healthy behaviors and reduced health care expenses. At a time when only three out of five employers can afford to provide health care for their employees and families, there is high demand for solutions that drive healthy behaviors and drive down costs.

"AmeriHealth believes that members and their employers should benefit financially as well as physically from engaging in healthy behaviors," said Michael Munoz, vice president, sales and marketing. "We believe the most effective way to do that - and the best way to encourage ongoing wellness - is for desirable behaviors to reduce health care expenses. When members engage in pre-determined healthy activities (as outlined in the company's health plan), they gain insight into wellness, take control of their health care and as a result receive employer-funded credits directly to their HRAs, which are then used to offset out-of-pocket expenses related to the medical plan (i.e. deductibles and coinsurance)." Employers, meanwhile, can realize short- and long-term cost savings by helping their employees identify and manage disease.

Program incentives are available to all plan enrollees. Activities eligible for HRA credits include:

completing a Personal Health Profile
visiting a PCP or OB/GYN
obtaining preventive screenings for high cholesterol or diabetes
completing a fitness program
completing a smoking cessation program

The U.S. Department of Health Services has shown that wellness programs have median return on investment of more than $3 for each $1 spent. And, one of the most effective ways to encourage healthy behavior is through incentive programs like these. Studies have also shown that well-designed health management programs can reduce sick leave by an average of 28 percent, disability costs by 30 percent and health care costs by 26 percent.

AmeriHealth is launching this program in conjunction with IncentOne, which provides incentive programs to employers, health plans and partners. In addition to benefitting from IncentOne's expertise in healthcare reward programs, this integrated solution will provide employers and employees with an easily administered web-based program. No paper submissions are required. Participants can view program eligibility and reward status via a dedicated website.

About AmeriHealth
AmeriHealth New Jersey provides health care coverage to nearly 230,000 New Jersey residents. The company's contracted hospital and physician network includes thousands of physicians at 76 hospitals throughout its service area.

AmeriHealth New Jersey has offices in Mt. Laurel and Iselin. The company's managed care plan, AmeriHealth HMO Inc. of New Jersey, has received the highest possible accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) by meeting NCQA's rigorous evaluation standards. AmeriHealth New Jersey is part of AmeriHealth, Inc, a growing group of insurance and health care companies whose product portfolio includes health insurance, workers' compensation, property and casualty insurance, and management services.

About IncentOne
IncentOne provides integrated incentive solutions to employers, health plans and partners, from small businesses to the Fortune^® 500, including half of the Fortune^® 50. IncentOne's incentive technology solutions provide the tools to drive health care cost reduction and productivity improvement. For more information, please visit www.incentone.com.

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AmeriHealth New Jersey President and CEO Named Arthritis Foundation's 2008 Humanitarian of the Year

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Haddonfield, NJ - May 15, 2008 - Judith L. Roman, President and CEO of AmeriHealth New Jersey, will be honored as the Arthritis Foundation's 2008 South Jersey "Humanitarian of the Year." The awards reception was held today, May 15, at The Westin Mt. Laurel.

In addition to the vast responsibilities associated with her commitment to AmeriHealth New Jersey, a growing group of health plans that provides coverage to approximately 250,000 members, Roman is dedicated to making a difference in her community through a variety of efforts.

Most recently, Roman served as the 2008 co-chair for the American Heart Association's Southern New Jersey second annual "Go Red for Women" fundraising luncheon, which raised $250,000. She is a co-founder of the Jennifer Swift Fieldman Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for sarcoma research. Roman serves as a Board member and Executive Committee member for the Chamber of Commerce in Southern New Jersey. She also serves as a Board member of Good Grief, an organization devoted to helping children cope with loss, and was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.

"This award is a testament to Judith's commitment to supporting non-profit organizations throughout the region," said Tanya Barbarics, Community Director - South Jersey, Arthritis Foundation, NJ Chapter. "Her leadership skills, business contacts, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in generating awareness and resources for many charitable causes."

Over the course of her 25-year career, Roman has built a reputation for strong leadership and an ability to guide organizations through rapidly changing competitive environments. She brings these attributes to her current position of President and CEO where she oversees senior staff and a team of 200 associates. Since ascending to the top role at AmeriHealth New Jersey in 2006, Roman has aggressively spearheaded market expansion throughout New Jersey. She joined AmeriHealth New Jersey as vice president, provider relations in 2004, responsible for contracting with, and servicing, more than 14,000 physicians and 90 hospitals.

The Arthritis Foundation, NJ Chapter is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases - the nation's number one cause of disability.

About AmeriHealth New Jersey
AmeriHealth HMO Inc. and AmeriHealth Insurance Company of New Jersey, collectively known as AmeriHealth New Jersey, provide health care coverage to nearly 230,000 New Jersey residents. The company has built credentialed hospital and physician networks for its managed care products, with thousands of physicians and 76 hospitals throughout its service areas. AmeriHealth New Jersey has offices in Mt. Laurel and Iselin.

AmeriHealth New Jersey is part of AmeriHealth, Inc., a growing group of insurance and health care companies whose product portfolio includes health insurance, workers' compensation, property and casualty insurance, and management services. With its base centered in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, AmeriHealth companies have been recognized for their commitment to providing high quality products. AmeriHealth HMO of New Jersey and Delaware's AmeriHealth HMO have received the highest possible accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for meeting its rigorous evaluation standards.

AmeriHealth Press Releases

AmeriHealth New Jersey Launches New Program to Improve Employee Health, Promote Wellness

AmeriHealth New Jersey President and CEO Named Arthritis Foundation's 2008 Humanitarian of the Year