Well-being enhancement company
Healthways
(
HWAY
) recently reported that
WellPoint
(
WLP
) had lengthened its present contract providing Healthways'
SilverSneakers Fitness Program to qualified enrollees of many of
its associated health plans. SilverSneakers is available to over
700,000 Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage enrollees of
WellPoint associated plans.
Exercise plays a pivotal role in the management of different
chronic conditions. A study released by the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) and Prevention revealed that persons who enroll in
the SilverSneakers regimen report reduced medical costs in the
long term while hospitals and health centers report a lower
number of inpatient admissions. Another CDC study also found that
at-risk participants of the SilverSneakers program enjoyed real
health benefits.
The Healthways model encourages people to make favorable
lifestyle changes that lead to enhanced well-being, reduced
healthcare costs, improved performance and economic value for
customers. The company has invested in technology platforms that
provide scalable support with large populations. It has tie-ups
with a large proportion of U.S. health plans and counts many
millions of lives in its customer base.
Due to its unique scalable business model, Healthways shares may
present a long-term investment opportunity, although it faces
many challenges in the short term.
Healthways is the leader in a strategically critical and rapidly
evolving part of the health care services market. Its fitness
program (SilverSneakers Fitness Program) for seniors is available
at over 15,000 centers across the U.S. and is available to over
nine million eligible enrollees through Medicare Supplement,
Medicare Advantage plans and group retiree plans. Healthways
competes with
Express Scripts Holding Company
(
ESRX
) among others.
We currently have an Outperform recommendation on Healthways. The
stock retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term
Buy rating.
EXPRESS SCRIPTS (ESRX): Free Stock Analysis
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HEALTHWAYS INC (HWAY): Free Stock Analysis
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WELLPOINT INC (WLP): Free Stock Analysis
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