SAN DIEGO, March 3, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To help stem the tide of increasing health care costs associated with the aging baby boomer population, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) announced today that it will provide the Silver&Fit exercise and healthy aging program for its 54,000 Medicare Advantage members. Silver&Fit is provided by American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. and Healthyroads, Inc., subsidiaries of health and wellness company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH).
"The Silver&Fit exercise and healthy aging program encourages our members to live an active, healthy lifestyle," said John Selby, Director, Sales and Marketing, Consumer and Senior Markets, Horizon BCBSNJ. "Our members who directly participate in the program will experience better health, which will contribute to lower health care costs that will benefit all our members."
"It's never too late in life to start or continue a healthy living program," said ASH chairman and CEO George DeVries. "We look forward to working closely with Horizon BCBSNJ to improve the lives and longevity of its older adult members."
Upon enrollment to the Silver&Fit Basic program, members receive a no-cost membership at a nearby participating fitness club or exercise center. Their Silver&Fit membership includes all of the standard amenities offered by that club's basic membership, such as access to weight and cardiovascular equipment, and where available, pools, saunas, and whirlpool facilities.
Members who are not able to participate at the fitness club or simply prefer to work out at home may participate instead in the Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program. Upon enrollment, seniors receive a home fitness kit that may focus on core strength, exercise, walking, aqua aerobics, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, or stress management. Each kit includes tools to help members perform exercises at home. Home Fitness Program members may receive DVDs or Internet access to a variety of fitness classes, all of which are designed specifically for seniors.
All Silver&Fit members receive The Silver Slate® quarterly newsletter, access to the SilverandFit.com Web site, and access to a toll-free phone number to provide information and answer questions about the program.
Silver&Fit was developed to assist seniors in beginning or continuing a regular exercise program. Regular exercise has shown to be an important element in preventing some medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Cardiovascular and strength training can also help seniors improve their balance and become more flexible, preventing common slips and falls and speeding up the recovery period from such injuries. Access to the network of exercise facilities is provided through ASH subsidiary American Specialty Health Networks, Inc.
About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer, is a not-for-profit health services corporation. Horizon BCBSNJ serves over 3.6 million members and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.
Horizon BCBSNJ provides a wide variety of health and dental insurance products and services, including Medicare and Medicaid products, for businesses and individuals. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.
About American Specialty Health
Silver&Fit is provided through Healthyroads, Inc., and American Specialty Health Networks, Inc., subsidiaries of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). ASH is a national health and wellness company that provides prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has more than 700 employees and covers over 15.6 million members.
For more information about ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.