November 17, 2006 For Immediate Release
Contact:
Sue Baker, City of Warwick, 738-2000,
Kim Keough, BCBSRI, 459-5601
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that, as part of ongoing efforts to help city employees take proactive steps to ensure better health, the city will participate in Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s MuniBlue health management service.
The program – which is being offered free to subscriber municipalities – will provide the city with a MuniBlue advisor. The advisor will analyze the city’s recent claims data and employees’ current health status. The next step is to increase awareness of proper health practices through implementation of increased education and a variety of programs and services.
“We feel that the MuniBlue service will provide a valuable component to our overall efforts to increase employee health and reduce their risks for chronic or life-threatening conditions,” Avedisian said. “Not only is this a no-cost program, it will likely save money in the long run, as people become more proactive in ensuring their health and well being.”
Employees will be afforded the opportunity to take a confidential, online Personal Health Assessment (PHA) survey. The PHA will provide each employee an understanding of his or her individual health risks and personalized feedback so that health can be improved and potentially serious illnesses avoided. A Health Interest Survey will also be offered, allowing employees to voice their preferences. Using the results of the survey the MuniBlue advisor and the city will be able to determine wellness initiatives for the upcoming year.
In addition, the advisor will meet with employees to learn about the issues and demographics specific to each department, coordinate appropriate programs and monitor the outcomes. She will also meet with key department personnel and help to arrange seminars, programs for retirees and the creation of an employee Wellness Committee. The advisor will also be available to answer questions about health care coverage.
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