PEIA retirees offered free fitness memberships [The Charleston Gazette, W.Va.]

Jan. 8--CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Many senior West Virginians will have help in keeping their New Year's resolutions to get in better shape.

Effective Jan. 1, retirees insured though the Public Employees Insurance Agency's Medicare Advantage plan are being offered free memberships at their local YMCAs or other fitness centers.

About 36,000 retired public school and state employees and spouses covered by the plan are eligible for Humana's "SilverSneakers" fitness program.

Humana replaced Coventry Health Care as PEIA's Medicare Advantage provider at the start of the year, and Humana spokesman Jeff Blunt said the health insurer puts a major emphasis on wellness programs for its participants.

While Humana hopes its program pays off long-term in reduced costs for hospitalizations, prescription drugs and other medical care, Blunt said Thursday the company also anticipates short-term benefits.

"Whenever you make an investment in wellness, it's a long-term investment," he said. "In terms of savings, it doesn't pay off for many years down the road."

In the short-term, he said SilverSneakers is intended to boost participants' self-esteem and their overall satisfaction with the Medicare Advantage plan.

"If we can help people stay healthy, they're going to lead happier, longer lives," he said.

In addition to providing free memberships at local fitness centers, SilverSneakers participants also have free access to participating centers nationwide while traveling.

The program also features SilverSneakers exercise classes at all participating centers, providing total body conditioning workouts geared to older participants.

There are about 22 participating centers in the state and three in the Charleston area, including the Kanawha Valley YMCA in Charleston.

For insurees who live more than 15 miles from the closest fitness center, Humana offers a companion program, SilverSneakers Steps, a self-directed pedometer-based program that promotes walking and other physical activities for seniors.

Diane Holley-Brown, spokeswoman for the state Department of Administration said SilverSneakers fits PEIA's philosophy of promoting wellness programs for its insurees.

"One of the benefits of this [Medicare Advantage] program is that it offers physical fitness benefits to the retirees," she said.

Overall, she said PEIA projects a $10 million savings by switching to Humana, including savings through reduced health care costs for participants in the SilverSneakers program.

Reach Phil Kabler at [email protected] or 304-348-1220.

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