HCSC To Offer Program Targeting Chronic Diseases Before They Start

Landmark employer pilot study shows promise for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members in IL, NM, OK and TX

October 14, 2008

CHICAGO – Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the country's fourth largest health insurer through its Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, is developing a new wellness program targeting a condition shown to be a precursor to obesity and many of the chronic conditions related to it.

HCSC's program is based on results from a landmark employer pilot study that identified and addressed Metabolic Syndrome (Met-S).  After completing the program, 53 percent of the Met-S pilot study participants showed significant reversal for Met-S risk and participants lost an average of 15 pounds each.

"Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a number of 'X' factors, including elevated waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose and blood pressure, as well as reduced HDL, or good cholesterol," said Paul Handel, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for HCSC.  "For people who have three or more of those factors, their chance of developing a chronic disease greatly increases.  By identifying the factors and then engaging in a program to eliminate them as early as possible, a person can address a minor health concern before it becomes a debilitating, costly health complication."

One of HCSC's major employer groups, Brinker International, participated in a landmark Met-S pilot study for its employees at its corporate headquarters in Dallas.  Brinker owns, operates or franchises more than 1,800 restaurants around the world, including Chili's Grill & Bar, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano's Little Italy and Romano's Macaroni Grill.

"Brinker chose to participate in the pilot Metabolic Syndrome program to help our employees lead healthier and more productive lives," said Tracey Posey, work life manager for Brinker International.  "With an average weight loss 15 pounds per participant during the 10-week period, this wellness offering has improved the quality of life for many team members."

The program showed health improvements for participants who previously struggled with at least one of the following:  diabetes, indigestion, low energy, headaches, low self confidence, weight issues, depression, difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure or a lack of exercise.

"This program changed my life," said Victoria Hueck, a Brinker program participant.  "By implementing it, I've been able to stop taking my diabetes medication and greatly improve my overall health."

While still relatively unknown to the general public, Met-S is gaining attention around the world as a key area of focus for improving health and reducing the cost of health care.  In April, Japan mandated that all of its citizens over the age of 40 be tested for the syndrome.  The country is also requiring companies to reduce the number of overweight workers by 10 percent in the next four years, and by 25 percent by 2015.

"HCSC wants to become a leader in addressing Metabolic Syndrome because of the realized and unrealized impact it has on the health of our members and our communities, as well as the effect it has on the overall cost of health care," added Handel.  "The best way to reduce cost is to improve health."

About Health Care Service Corporation
Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, is the largest customer-owned health insurer in the United States and the fourth largest health insurer in the country overall, with 12.4 million members in its Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.  The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  HCSC also has a rating of AA- (Very Strong) from Standard and Poor's, Aa3 (Excellent) from Moody's and A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best Company.  For more information, visit www.HCSC.com.