Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado to Offer Award-Winning Fitness Program for Older Adults As Part of New Medicare Advantage HMO

Healthways SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program promotes Fitness, Fun and Friends

December 16, 2008 - Denver, Colorado - Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) today announced it will expand its relationship with Healthways, Inc. to offer the SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program to Medicare members in Colorado who enroll in Anthem's new SureValue HMO plan beginning January 1, 2009. SilverSneakers is the nation's leading exercise program for older adults and has been proven to significantly reduce the health care costs of participants.

"We are committed to giving our members access to the resources they need to live healthier, happier lives," said Krista A. Bowers, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado's Senior Business. "SilverSneakers not only allows our members to customize their workout routines, it provides an important social outlet that helps to keep them connected to their communities."

The SilverSneakers Fitness Program, designed exclusively for older adults, offers physical activity, health education, and social events. Nearly 70 percent of SilverSneakers participants report improved overall health. With the SilverSneakers premier network, members receive complimentary access to a variety of participating locations throughout the country. Many sites offer amenities such as fitness equipment, treadmills and free weights, and the signature SilverSneakers Fitness Program classes, designed specifically for older adults and taught by certified instructors. Additional signature classes, such as YogaStretch, SilverSplash(R), CardioFit and WeightCircuit may be available at select locations. A designated staff member guides members along the way.

"We believe that everyone, regardless of age, is capable of achieving his or her personal best health, and SilverSneakers is a proven support system to help people achieve that," said Healthways Senior Vice President Rene Ellington. "We're honored to expand our relationship with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to include Colorado and look forward to introducing this life-changing tool to more Anthem members."

Medicare-eligible members who enroll in Anthem's new SureValue Enhanced HMO plan will only need to show their Anthem identification card and complete a short application at a participating location to activate their membership in SilverSneakers. For a list of participating locations, please call 888-423-4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com.

Anthem offers Medicare-eligible individuals in Colorado two HMO plan options. Both plans offer comprehensive medical as well as prescription drug benefits with affordable member copays. The Anthem SureValue Enhanced HMO plan, new for 2009, also offers preventive dental benefits along with coverage for other key preventive services such as routine vision, hearing, and physical exams just to name a few.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. (R) ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com .

About the Healthways SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program

The SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program is offered by Healthways, an industry leader providing specialized, comprehensive Health and Care Support(SM) solutions to help people maintain or improve their health. Founded in 1992, SilverSneakers is the nation's leading exercise program designed exclusively for Medicare members and offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming that allows older adults to take greater control of their health. The unique program is available at no additional cost (other than any medical plan premium) to eligible Medicare members and is currently offered in 49 states at more than 3,200 participating locations. For more information on SilverSneakers, call toll-free 1.888.423.4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com.

     Media Contacts:      Sally Kweskin, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield     303.831.5899     [email protected]      Tricia Grayson, Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program     318.230.9687     [email protected] 

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado