Maximize Motivation: Why Rewards in Health Plans Work

Are you a lazy couch potato who can’t seem to muster up the motivation to hit the gym or eat healthy? Fear not, my friend! With a reward system in your health plan, you can finally get off that sofa and start living your best life.

In this article, we will explore how rewards in health plans work and why they are so effective at motivating people to make positive changes for their overall well-being. So grab some kale chips (you know, because they’re healthier than regular chips) and let’s dive in!

What are Rewards in Health Plans?

Ahh, rewards- the sweet nectar of motivation. In health plans, rewards refer to incentives offered by insurance providers as an encouragement for policyholders to maintain healthy behaviors such as exercising regularly or quitting smoking.

Nowadays it seems like everyone is rewarding everything – from getting out of bed on time (thanks Fitbit!) to being able to spell ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ correctly (okay maybe not that one…yet). But when it comes to our health, having small incentivizing perks can actually lead us towards making larger lifestyle changes.

Reward programs for maintaining good habits might include things like lower premiums or co-payments, gift cards/money-back bonuses, fitness gear discounts or even virtual badges (because let’s face it-we all love showing off online accomplishments).

So essentially we’re saying if you do something good for yourself there may be a little something extra coming back your way (and no we don’t mean indigestion from too many gummy vitamins).

The Psychology Behind Reward-based Motivation

Let’s talk about what really happens when you receive a reward – chemically speaking. According  to Forbes Magazine reward-based systems actively activate release dopamine inside our brains which leads ultimately feeling happy (that’s right, rewards can release a happy hormone). How many times have you been walking down the street after unwrapping a fancy chocolate bar or by buying new shoes and felt like singing along to ‘Life is a Highway’ (no judgement here)?

Dopamine increases the desire for repeated/reinforced behaviors; in other words it drives us towards repeating an action we know resulted in positive feeling. Therefore when some is rewarded when continuing good health behavior it instills them with even more motive to continue these habits.

Overall receiving incentives reinforces our behaviour resulting from moral concepts egoism and altruism which are influenced by cultural upbringing and personal identification(Yep! Some people enjoy doing things simply because of perks while others may take joy in caring for their body for selflessness).

What Are The Advantages of Having Reward Programs?

Okay so now that we’ve talked about what reward programs involve and why one might consider joining such program let’s get into how they work & benefits which come with perseverance.

They Help Lower Costs

Maintaining good physical health through diet and exercise helps reduce overall healthcare costs. For example, being active leads to a lower risk of heart attack  and stroke reducing medical bills (which also means less money spent.)

That’s where reward programs can really be great – policyholders who participate tend to rack up fewer claims as well which not only results decreased premiums but likely savings on any chronic medication requirements too. It’s no wonder why insurance providers jump at offering incentives since their ultimate goal is healthy customers all around!

They Create Long-Term Habits

It takes approximately 90 days of consistent effort/good habit formation before something becomes habitualised.For example if gym attendance occurs regularly within this period its easier to continue going afterwards rather finding motivation anew each session.Wth policholders involved this incentivising mechanisms become sheer setting + performing progressive goals rather than asking yourself: ‘Can I find courage to hit gym again?’

Here’s an example- say a policyholder is offered bonus of $100 for sticking to lifestyle changes (swapping soda for water, or reducing meat intake). Not only are the accountable actions reinforced they will likely extend beyond just 3 months alone since the beneficial physiological/physical response leads to perceived reward ($$) and self-improvement.

They Provide Support

Our journey towards health success can feel like running marathon(in tropical weather with extra weights on each limb!). However, having incentives programs offer participants an ecosystem in which healthier living behaviors participation become engaging rather taxing.

Remember that dieter who went off course before seeing their goal shrink by perfectly sized jean? Rewards over time lead people into feeling supported and confident during challenging/hard times (that way at least there’s a silver lining right?) .

The Best Rewards Programs Themselves

Let’s talk about some examples of best existing rewards programs which utilize incentive mechanisms mentioned above:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Policyholders that maintain wellness scores within specific ranges receive discounts up insurance premiums combined with cash incentives.

For individuals actively working upon persistent conditions may take part in Blue Distinction Total Care Program programme where providers offer coordinated care management services aiming better patient outcomes as well financial reimbursements(cost sharing amounts apply).

Protip: Consider your healthcare plan offerings – this program particularly helps serve beneficiaries under Medicare Advantage plans due its ongoing upkeep through interventions/measuring protocols.

HumanaVitality Program

Humana offers policy holders below age 65 tools enabling healthy “practices“. Using Healthwise knowledge base individuals have access tips on nutrition/exercise while also personalized health app + games designed support individual goals completion provides quantifiable measures for monitoring progress.Their resources even advocates join local events e.g cooking classes/participating charity marathons..all resulting earning points redeemable variety retail brands including Amazon and Walmart gift cards etc.

Fitbit

We couldn’t close an article like this without mentioning good ol’ Fitbit – A global health-focused wearable fitness tracking company regularly offers rewards incentives upon purchasing of their products or participating in community programs. Essentially one can earn points redeemable towards discounts by walking, running or even taking sufficient amount steps daily. They also sign users up for Sleep Summits and seasonal gift/rewards packaging which keeps user engagement high levels.

Final Thoughts

Incorporate rewards mechanisms into your life leads to increased motivation over time whilst fostering healthier habits that take little-to-no willpower alone alongside convenience and positive, striving attitude shared more widely ideally across social structures.It might sound cliche but it’s true: when you are healthy, everything is better! So go out there and enjoy the benefits (and extra cash!) while maintaining a happier state both physically + mentally(because who doesn’t want to be happier am I right?).