title: Promoting physical activity: a profile of health plan programs and initiatives.
abstract: A study was conducted to capture information on health plans' initiatives to promote physical activity among members and in community settings. This investigation was based on a descriptive nationwide study of American Association of Health Plans- and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association-member plans conducted from October 2001 to February 2002. Sixty individuals with responsibility for health-promotion programs were surveyed, and 24 provided in-depth interviews. The measures used in this evaluation were the number and type of member- and community-based physical activity programs/initiatives offered by health plans, and the types of programs evaluated. Information was captured on more than 373 physical activity initiatives. Thirty-five percent of surveyed health plans responded, representing more than 62 million health plan members; the participation rate for in-depth interviews was 80%. Most health plans integrate physical activity messages into routine services for members (92%) and sponsor community races/walks and health fairs (85%). Physical activity programs are offered to improve member health (92%), increase member satisfaction (80%), and reduce long-term health care costs (62%). Few rigorous evaluations have been conducted on these programs, and return-on-investment data are scarce. Although some health plans currently play a relatively active role in promoting physical fitness to their members and the community, multiple opportunities exist for health plan involvement in various settings with different populations.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Research, Integrated Health Resources, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Chicago, USA. Karen.Fitzner@bcbsa.com
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fitzner
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Madison
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Caputo
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: French
authors.forename: Maris
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bondi
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jennings
mesh_terms: D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States