New health plan rewards lifestyle

Blue Care Network, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan health maintenance organization, is developing a new plan that rewards people for adopting healthy lifestyles and can save employers an average of 10 percent in premiums.

According to BCBSM, the new plan, called Healthy Blue Living, has two fee scales—one for those who meet guidelines for healthy living and another for those who do not. Guidelines include committing to a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising. Employers will be required to offer a smoke-free work environment in order to purchase the plan.

BCBSM has indicated that the new coverage plan will be available to MRA members starting October 1. However, at press time, BCBSM had not released information or pricing related to the plan.

MRA will continue to communicate with BCBSM regarding this new product and will notify members of its availability as soon as information is available.