News Flash

Yoga, Pilates Among New Therapies

November 15, 2004

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. are pleased to offer its health plan members the opportunity to receive discounts on alternative therapies.  CareFirst's Options Program provides valuable member discounts on services and alternative therapies such as fitness memberships, laser eye surgery, mail-order contact lenses, Weight Watchers Online®, eldercare management and hearing aids.  CareFirst works with several different vendors to offer these services. 

Since January 2003, we have offered members discounts on acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy through American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN).  Beginning January 1, 2005, CareFirst will terminate its contract with ASHN.  At that time, we will begin offering these same services through American WholeHealth Networks, Inc. (AWHN).  In addition, we will also be adding the following new services to the Options program, including:

  • Tai Chi
  • Qi Gong
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Nutrition Counseling
  • Guided Imagery
  • Personal Training
  • Meditation Instruction

To help you better understand these changes we are providing you with some answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Is CareFirst eliminating any of its Options discounts?
No, in fact, based on the results of recent user satisfaction surveys, we are adding several new services.  In order to better serve our members, we have selected a new vendor to administer these services.
 
Why are you making these changes?
CareFirst is responsive to the needs of its members.  In an effort to continue to offer the best value to our members, we periodically review our alternative medicine program and add or remove offerings based on current and anticipated member usage.  Based on recent member surveys, we have added several new discount options.

Can I use the same Options practitioners as before?
While there may be some overlap between the current acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy practitioners, members are advised to visit the Options provider directory at www.carefirst.com after January 1, 2005 to determine if their practitioner is affiliated with the Options program.