Blue Cross Of Idaho Announces 2008 Corporate Wellness Challenge Winners

Awards recognize employers for promoting health and well-being among employees

June 23, 2009

BOISE – Blue Cross of Idaho today named Healthwise and First American Title Holding Company award of excellence winners in the Blue Cross of Idaho 2008 Corporate Wellness Challenge. The Corporate Wellness Challenge provides employers with information and support to implement wellness programs and increase key health screenings among their employees.

Sixty-three companies and their combined 47,000 employees participated in the challenge. Healthwise's award is for companies with less than 250 employees and First American Title Company's award is for companies with more than 250 employees.

Participating companies enthusiastically engaged employees through a variety of health-related activities such as company health fairs, weight-loss contests, walking challenges and newsletters. One company even set up an in-house gym for employees.

"Effective workplace wellness programs can assist in making positive lifestyle changes that replace unhealthy behaviors, one of the most significant factors contributing to the escalation of healthcare costs," said Ray Flachbart, President and CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho. "The Corporate Wellness Challenge is part of Blue Cross of Idaho's ongoing efforts to promote a healthier Idaho by supporting and recognizing employers who understand the importance of health and wellness."

Blue Cross also named 2008 Corporate Wellness Challenge merit award winners to honor the companies with the highest percentage of employee participation in six categories. The categories and winners by company size are:

About Blue Cross of Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho is a leader in delivering innovative health insurance products, services and information to more than 540,000 members. For 64 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of Idaho through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross of Idaho is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.bcidaho.com.