MEDIA RELEASE
Rapid uptake of HCF’s My Health Guardian shows strong demand
for chronic disease support
10,000th participant enrolled in industry-leading chronic disease program;
Now largest preventive health program offered by a single health insurer
Early data shows strongest demand for phone-based support coming from
sufferers of diabetes, heart disease and hypertension
Sydney, Monday, 23 November 2009 – Leading not-for-profit private health insurer, HCF,
and preventive health and disease management provider, Healthways Australia, have
recorded faster than expected take up of the My Health Guardian chronic disease support
program by HCF members.
The companies announced today that the 10,000th chronically ill HCF member had signed
on to My Health Guardian for chronic disease support last week, well ahead of schedule,
and putting the program on track to reach 25,000 participants by mid-2010.
My Health Guardian is now the largest chronic disease support program operated by a
single health insurer in Australia.
Launched last August, the program is the first of its kind in Australia to provide phone–
based and online support across the full spectrum of health circumstances. The program is
delivered on behalf of HCF by Healthways Australia, whose team of qualified nurses,
dieticians and exercise physiologists work with HCF members to guide personalised health
and wellbeing programs.
Managing Director of Healthways Australia, Tim Morphy, said the volume of HCF
members joining My Health Guardian had been accelerating steadily, with more than 850
members per week enrolling over the past month.
“Our nurses and health coaches are doing a fantastic job explaining the benefits of the
program and delivering the assistance members need to take a more active role in their
own health and wellbeing,” Mr Morphy said.
“As various Federal Government policy bodies have pointed out, chronic disease is the
tsunami coming through our health system. Commonwealth Health and Ageing Minister
Nicola Roxon only last week called again for more Australians to be given access to
chronic disease support services.
“In June 19,000 health fund members were enrolled in such programs - My Health
Guardian enrolments since then boost that by over 50%,” he said.
According to Healthways, the most common chronic conditions reported by My Health
Guardian participants were: diabetes (65% of participants), coronary artery disease (59%),
high blood pressure (40%), reflux disease (33%) and low back pain (20%). (See list of top
10 chronic conditions attached).
Chief Medical Officer for HCF, Dr Andrew Cottrill, said he was encouraged by the early
strong participation rates in My Health Guardian, which represented a $100 million
investment by HCF in preventive health services for members.
“Early data shows most participants suffer from three common chronic conditions, all of
which lead to hospitalisation if not controlled properly.
“For HCF, My Health Guardian will have a key role helping prevent complications from and
progression of these illnesses. Based on trials we expect to reduce hospitalisation rates by
up to17%. This will have a material impact on reducing claims, and our ability to keep
premiums low,” he said.
The 10,000th participant in My Health Guardian, Raymond Moore, a resident of Crookwell
in NSW, said: ‘While I have only just started, knowing that I can have conversation on the
phone with a professional about my healthcare needs, gives me a great deal of comfort.
I’m looking forward to being part of the program over the coming months.”
My Health Guardian includes an online health and wellbeing portal allowing members to
tailor a healthy living plan incorporating diet, exercise and other aspects of lifestyle.
Participants in the portal take the total number of My Health Guardian users above 12,000.
Top 10 chronic diseases suffered by My Health Guardian participants
Media contacts
HCF
Nick Owens
Director, Sefiani Communications Group
Ph: (02) 8920 0700
Mob: 0421 977 062
nowens@sefiani.com.au
Healthways Australia
Craig Bosworth
Director of Strategy
Mob: 0409 356 455
craig.bosworth@healthways.com
About HCF
HCF is Australia’s third-largest, and largest not-for-profit, health insurer, currently extending
coverage to 1.3 million Australians. HCF has exceeded the industry growth rate each year for the
past five years, consistently pays back more in benefits from earned contributions than the industry
average and has the best medical no-gap coverage of any major health fund in Australia. The
financial strength of HCF is supported by its strong capital backing, and the lowest management
expenses of the major funds. HCF members benefit from an extensive branch network and access
to HCF’s expanding network of dental and eye care centres and Oral Health Program (for members
outside metropolitan Sydney). HCF Life offers innovative add-on insurance protection for illness and
About Healthways
Healthways is a population health company providing personalised wellness, prevention and
disease management programs. Since its foundation in 1981, Healthways has been working with
and assisting governments, employers, health insurers, hospitals, doctors and above all,
individuals; to improve the effectiveness of healthcare, enhance the fundamental care experience
and reduce healthcare costs through large-scale health programs adapted and tailored for the local
health system. Globally one of the largest providers of population health management, Healthways
provides ongoing health analysis and services for over 35 million individuals worldwide in Australia,
Europe, North and South America.
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