Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Proves Exercise Can Reduce Medical Costs

Tulsa, OK — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma released data today which confirms people can reduce their medical costs by exercising more regularly.

The state's largest insurer reviewed medical claims for 5,000 participants of its Fitness Program and found that people who worked out at least three times a week reduced their medical costs by an average of 44 percent. In addition, the participants helped control rising health care costs by saving $1,020,000 in medical expenses.

"Seventy-five percent of today's health care dollar is spent on the treatment of chronic illnesses such as obesity," said Bert Marshall, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma president. "We're trying to move that needle by eliminating obstacles to exercise, providing easier access and offering incentives."

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma offers a Fitness Program to members with discounts to a large network of brand name fitness and workout centers. Members pay a monthly fee of $25 and receive access to all fitness facilities enrolled in the program. The program allows participants to improve their health and potentially reduce their health care costs. Through the program, members have greater access to exercise facilities, giving them the flexibility to exercise when and where they need it most.

Administered by Healthways, the network includes several national and local co-ed fitness centers such as 24-Hour Fitness^®, Anytime Fitness^®, area YMCA locations and more.

In addition to helping reduce medical costs, Fitness Program members can also earn Blue Points^SM rewards for enrolling and tracking their gym visits. Blue Points are redeemable for a variety of health and wellness merchandise and services and other rewards. Members can also earn Blue Points for engaging in other healthy behaviors.

To enroll, members can call (888) 762-BLUE (2583) or log onto Blue Access for Members^SM at bcbsok.com/member, then click the "Fitness Program" link. For more information, visit bcbsok.com.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma

Throughout its 71-year history, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 677,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is well known for its broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and medical management/behavioral health services.