EVANSVILLE, Ind., Dec. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To help curb the escalating cost of health care and manage the health of a growing baby boomer population, Welborn Health Plans (WHP), the only Medicare Advantage plan located in Southern Indiana, announced today that it has selected the Silver&Fit Affinity senior fitness program for their southwestern Indiana Medicare members. Silver&Fit Affinity is provided by American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. and Healthyroads, Inc., subsidiaries of American Specialty Health Incorporated.

Silver&Fit Affinity is a walking and exercise program created to improve the health of Medicare beneficiaries. Members are encouraged to participate by walking at least 5,000 steps or exercising at least 30 minutes a day. Participation includes:

 * Free trials and discounts or best pricing on memberships at one
   of 15,000 participating fitness clubs and exercise centers;
 * Or, for those who prefer to work out at home, a Home Fitness
   Program with two of the following fitness kits: Exercise Kit,
   Stress Management Kit, Pilates for Seniors Kit, Yoga for Seniors
   Kit, Aqua Aerobics Kit, Tai Chi Kit, and Strength Kit
 * Access to SilverandFitAffinity.com, where members are able to
   enroll in the program, track their progress, and find tips on
   starting a walking routine
 * The Silver Slate(R) quarterly online newsletter
 * Toll-free customer service

"As the area's only locally managed Medicare Advantage HMO in southwestern Indiana, WHP works with one of the largest networks of physicians in the Tri-State area. WHP designs plans that reflect the needs of our region based on member focus groups, provider input, and medical trends in the area. We are community focused because we are part of the community," shared David Marx, WHP Medicare Product Manager.

"Whether members take advantage of the best pricing at participating fitness clubs or utilize an at-home fitness kit, we are happy to provide WHP members with the tools they need to be more active, and live healthier and happier lives," said ASH chairman and CEO George DeVries.

Silver&Fit Affinity was developed to assist Medicare beneficiaries in beginning or continuing a regular exercise program. Regular exercise has shown to be an important element in preventing some medical conditions, including high blood pressure and heart and lung disease. Cardiovascular and strength training can also help seniors improve their balance and become more flexible, preventing common slips and falls and speeding up the recovery period from such injuries.

About American Specialty Health Incorporated

American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) provides specialty network management programs, fitness programs, lifestyle health coaching and healthy behavior incentives, Internet solutions, and worksite wellness and prevention programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide.

Based in San Diego, ASH has over 700 employees and covers 15.6 million members in specialty network management, fitness, and wellness and prevention programs. For more information, visit ASH online at ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.

About Welborn Health Plans

Since 1986, Welborn Health Plans (WHP) has been a part of the Evansville/Tri-State community. WHP provides comprehensive and high quality group and individual Medicare healthcare coverage for Medicare Eligibles, with an emphasis on preventive care. WHP offers a wide-range of benefits including targeted Disease Management programs, personalized Health and Wellness programs and coverage for services such as annual exams for children and adults.

CONTACT:  American Specialty Health Incorporated 
          Debby Clark
          619.578.2000
          debbyc@ashn.com

          Welborn Health Plans
          Jeremy Gicale
          800-521-0265
          gicalej@welbornhealthplans.com