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Humana launching exercise rewards

By Times Staff
Published May 22, 2006

Humana is putting a new twist on the tried-and-true frequent flier program. This week, the health insurance giant introduces HealthMiles, a program that rewards members for exercising, in the Tampa Bay area.

Employees of participating companies earn HealthMiles points for achieving exercise goals and improving health measurements, such as blood pressure, weight and body fat. They can redeem points for products at stores including Best Buy, Home Depot and Target.

Humana has teamed with Virgin Life Care, another outgrowth of Richard Branson's corporate empire. His company developed the reward program and a kiosk called HealthZone, where participants record exercise and measure body biometrics to earn points.

HealthZone kiosks will be at health clubs and corporate gyms. A half-dozen Gold's Gyms in the Tampa Bay area are taking part, with an open house scheduled at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the facility at 203 38th Ave. N in St Petersburg.

HealthMiles will initially be open to companies with more than 300 employees that buy an insurance plan that includes the benefit. The program should be opened this year for individuals, a spokesman said.

[Last modified May 22, 2006, 08:31:55]