MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo., & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its mission to help people achieve and maintain long-lasting health and wellness, Essence Healthcare today announced it has renewed its existing partnership with well-being improvement leader Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) to continue offering the award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Program through 2016. SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, is available to Essence Healthcare members throughout the St. Louis region.
“The SilverSneakers program has played a crucial role in helping our members stay active and fit,” said Richard Jones, CEO of Essence Healthcare. “We are extremely pleased with the results we have achieved through the program and look forward to continue working with Healthways to improve the health and well-being of people with Medicare throughout our community.”
The effectiveness of the SilverSneakers program is evidenced by surveys of Essence Healthcare members who participate in the program. According to the 2012 survey results, 67 percent of Essence Healthcare participants reported their health as excellent or very good, more than twice the national average of 32 percent for older adults. In addition, 84 percent of Essence Healthcare respondents reported no impairment in activities of daily living, as compared to the national average of 63 percent for older adults.
“Essence Healthcare is committed to offering solutions to help its members enjoy healthier lives, and Healthways is proud to partner with Essence to deliver the high-quality SilverSneakers Fitness Program to its older adult members,” said Ben R. Leedle, Jr., Healthways president and chief executive officer. “Like Essence, SilverSneakers has a shared pledge to deliver personal and attentive service through a user-friendly, proven program that provides a unique combination of physical fitness and social experiences.”
Using proven methodologies based upon more than 20 years of science and outcomes, the SilverSneakers Fitness Program increases physical activity in older adults, resulting in higher well-being and lower healthcare costs. The SilverSneakers Fitness Program was founded in 1992 and serves more than 10 million eligible members. The Healthways fitness center network offers convenient access to more than 15,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities nationwide.
About Essence Healthcare
Essence Healthcare offers people with Medicare comprehensive and affordable health insurance that focuses on wellness, care coordination and personal service. Essence’s Medicare Advantage HMOs bundle hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage together into one plan and include additional benefits not covered under the Original Medicare program. Essence’s Medicare Advantage plans are designed and directed in partnership with local doctors, and are among the nation’s highest rated according to the federal agency that administers Medicare. For more information, visit www.essencehealthcare.com.
About Healthways
Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. Dedicated to creating a healthier world one person at a time, the Company uses the science of behavior change to produce and measure positive change in well-being for our customers, which include employers, integrated health systems, hospitals, physicians, health plans, communities and government entities. We provide highly specific and personalized support for each individual and their team of experts to optimize each participant’s health and productivity and to reduce health-related costs. Results are achieved by addressing longitudinal health risks and care needs of everyone in a given population. The Company has scaled its proprietary technology infrastructure and delivery capabilities developed over 30 years and now serves approximately 45 million people on four continents. Learn more at www.silversneakers.com or www.healthways.com.
