Healthways, Inc. : The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and U.S. Department for Health and Human Services Summit Showcases Healthways SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program

First-Ever Care Innovations Summit in Washington DC Includes SilverSneakers as Example of Innovation in Better Health Care at Lower Cost

WASHINGTON & NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan 26, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --At today's Care Innovations Summit, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Solutions (CMS), SilverSneakers was presented as a model program to improve health care and lower cost. SilverSneakers was selected to participate at the summit after a competitive process to identify and showcase a number of programs that could help to transform the Medicare health care delivery system.

Demonstrating a new national commitment to building a high-quality, sustainable health care system, more than 1,000 health care leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, government officials and others joined the HHS, CMS, Health Affairs, and the West Wireless Health Institute at today's Care Innovations Summit. Attendees examined programs, such as SilverSneakers, that can help meet our nation's demand to reduce cost and improve quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries. The CMS initiative was designed to encourage and test innovative care models that demonstrate positive results.

"The organizations presenting challenges here today are pushing the best minds in the country to create a better health care system," said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. "They represent exciting solutions to help address some of the nation's most urgent health needs."

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity for health care leaders to evaluate SilverSneakers as an example of a program that has proven results to cut the rising cost of health care," said Debbie James, vice president of Healthways Fitness Division. "For more than 15 years, we have delivered better health at lower cost through the SilverSneakers Fitness Program. Using innovative and science-based engagement, we are able to increase physical activity in older adults--lowering healthcare costs by 22 to 37 percent. Traditionally, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans have recognized the value of SilverSneakers in helping to improve the health of their members. We hope the results of SilverSneakers can be expanded to the fee for service population to help lower costs for all those covered by Medicare."

Published studies have found individuals who participate in SilverSneakers have lower health claims costs and require fewer admissions to the hospital.[1] Also, members with diabetes who were active in SilverSneakers were admitted to the hospital less often, had lower inpatient care costs, and had significant reduction in overall health care costs after only one year of participation.[2]

James noted at the summit that with the growth of the aging population, there will be an even greater need to examine ways to engage beneficiaries in healthy activities and sustain their involvement over an extended period of time. According to James, costs can be dramatically reduced through self-management programs that provide education, social support, and physical activity.

Healthways SilverSneakers is the nation's leading exercise program for older adults. Its robust network provides eligible members with access to nearly 10,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities throughout the country. Many sites offer amenities such as exercise equipment, treadmills and free weights, and the signature SilverSneakers fitness class, Muscular Strength & Range of Movement, taught by certified instructors. Additional classes, such as YogaStretch and SilverSplash(R) are available at select locations.

About Healthways

Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) is the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and well-being and, as a result, reduce overall costs. Healthways' solutions are designed to help healthy individuals stay healthy, mitigate or eliminate lifestyle risk factors that can lead to disease and optimize care for those with chronic illness. Our proven, evidence-based programs provide highly specific and personalized interventions for each individual in a population, irrespective of age or health status, and are delivered to consumers by phone, mail, internet and face-to-face interactions, both domestically and internationally. Healthways also provides a national, fully accredited complementary and alternative Health Provider Network and a national Fitness Center Network, offering convenient access to individuals who seek health services outside of, and in conjunction with, the traditional healthcare system. For more information, please visit .

SOURCE: Healthways

Healthways

Kelly Motley, 615-614-4984

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