Promoting physical activity: a profile of health plan programs and initiatives

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.