EmblemHealth Engages Healthways to Provide Disease Management Services to High-Risk Members

EmblemHealth, one of New York’s leading health benefits and wellness companies, has entered into a two-year partnership with Healthways, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWAY), the recognized leader in well-being improvement solutions, to help high-risk commercial, Medicare and Medicaid members effectively manage their chronic conditions.

As part of the EmblemHealth Disease Management PATH initiative, Healthways will empower eligible members to improve their health by educating them on their condition and co-morbidities, helping them understand the impact of lifestyle behaviors, and enhancing the care experience. The program will support eligible members with chronic conditions, including heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD) and asthma.

“In order to provide the best possible support for our members who are most at risk for complications and adverse clinical outcomes, we wanted to work with a company that could deliver a range of innovative tools and interventions to give every member in the program the best opportunity for long-term success,” said Joseph Zeitlin, MD, Chief Medical Officer of EmblemHealth. “With Healthways, we have a like-minded partner that understands and supports our core mission of helping our members stay healthy, get well and live better.”

Healthways will deploy a proven combination of interventions, including telephonic coaching, educational materials, and online tools, trackers and other resources to keep participants engaged in the program and foster lasting behavior change. Eligible members will also be assessed for any gaps in care and offered support from specially trained clinicians to mitigate those gaps. Web and mobile based resources as well as interactive standard of care tools within condition-specific focus areas will also provide members with the appropriate steps to action. To reduce hospital readmissions and limit unnecessary costs, Healthways will also work with PATH-eligible members to optimize hospital discharge planning and care coordination.

“Empowering those who are at the highest risk and helping them to change their lifestyle for the better not only dramatically improves their quality of life but also breaks the cycle of repeated hospital stays and secondary complications from chronic disease,” said Ben R. Leedle, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Healthways. “EmblemHealth recognizes the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of its population and lower healthcare costs by offering programs and tools to address the root cause of disease rather than just treating the symptoms. Our shared commitment to well-being improvement will create a powerful partnership that will enhance the quality of the member health experience while managing costs.”

About EmblemHealth

EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. EmblemHealth offers a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com.

About Healthways

Healthways 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 68 million people on four continents. Learn more at www.healthways.com.