Members receive incentive on fitness center memberships
SOUTHFIELD – July 16, 2007 – Health Alliance Plan HMO members can work out for less, thanks to a new partnership announced today between HAP and Curves International Inc., the world's largest franchisor of fitness clubs.
Launched July 1, the program gives HAP members 50 percent off the initial enrollment fees at Curves, followed by a $10 discount off monthly membership dues when members work out at Curves at least nine times per month. Members can receive the discount for up to 12 consecutive months.
Curves operates more than 326 locations in Michigan.
The program is the first of its kind in Michigan, according to Gary Heavin, founder and CEO of Curves International.
"This alliance with HAP is consistent with our objective of encouraging Americans to embrace wellness by taking a proactive stance in managing their health," Heavin said. "We're pleased to partner with a health plan of HAP's stature as we lead the health revolution in the Michigan marketplace."
HAP also praised the partnership. "HAP is committed to making it easier and more affordable for our members to keep moving, eat smart and stay healthy for a lifetime," said Mary Beth Bolton, M.D., HAP Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "This partnership with Curves will encourage more HMO members to take an active role in their health by working out and getting fit."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62 percent of Michigan adults are overweight or obese. Obesity is linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancers. Research indicates that a proper diet coupled with a consistent exercise program can maximize weight loss success and improve overall health.
HAP members can take advantage of the program by showing their HAP HMO ID Card at Curves locations. A list of locations is available at www.curves.com/locations. For more information about HAP's weight management program, visit www.hap.org or call HAP Client Services at 313-872-8100 or 1-800-422-4641.
About HAP
Headquartered in Detroit, Health Alliance Plan is a nonprofit health plan serving 576,000 members and 2,800 employer groups. HAP is a subsidiary of the Henry Ford Health System, one of the nation's leading regional health care systems. The health plan serves companies of all sizes through the flagship HMO, PPOs, Medicare Advantage plans, experience-rated, fully insured and self-funded products, and consumer-driven health plans with compatible health savings accounts. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded HAP's commercial HMO and HAP Senior Plus, its Medicare Advantage HMO, Excellent Accreditation.
About Curves
Curves offers a 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also offers a weight management program featuring a groundbreaking, scientifically proven method to raise metabolic rate and end the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to over 4 million women, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. Gary is the author of numerous books including The New York Times bestseller Curves, which is revolutionizing America's approach to dieting. With over 10,000 locations in 52 countries, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise and the tenth largest of all franchise companies in the world. Visit www.curves.com for more information.
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Contact:
Tiffany Baker, MA
HAP Public Relations Specialist
tbaker3@hap.org
(248) 443-1072
Mark English
Curves Director of Healthcare & Wellness Partnerships
(800) 848-1096, x 2217
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