FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MVP Health Care health plans that utilize the "WellStyle Extras" option, now can offer members up to $600 in incentives and credits for participating in self-help health improvement programs. IncentOne will provide an online solution where members can receive the incentives they earn in the form of checks or gift cards from leading national retailers. Through the "WellStyle Extras" option MVP offers incentives to members for participating in health and wellness activities such as completing an online health risk assessment, health improvement programs such as weight management, smoking cessation and fitness programs.

The use of incentives to drive behavioral change is gaining momentum in healthcare. A 2007 survey of 450 major employers by Hewitt Associates found that nearly half of these employers either currently offer, or plan to offer incentives to employees who participate in wellness or health related initiatives. Other recent research from Watson Wyatt, a global consulting firm, also shows that the use of incentives increases participation and completion of health and wellness programs and, the most effective programs are three times as likely to use incentives to promote participation.

"Incentives keep MVP and Preferred Care members motivated and following their health improvement program," said Augusta Martin, MVP Vice President of Market Innovation. "Through the IncentOne solution, we can now offer members real dollar rewards in the form of checks or gift cards for following their programs, improving their health and reaching their goals," she said.

"Incentives are a powerful motivator for positive change in lifestyle and habits," said Michael Dermer, CEO at IncentOne. "IncentOne and MVP Health Care's integrated partnership can deliver complementary solutions that drive member participation and ultimately cost savings in healthcare."