Fitness Trackers and Financial Incentives

Qualcomm and UnitedHealthcare have teamed up on a wearable device to motivate its members on fitness activities.  As they explained in the San Diego Union Tribune:

Qualcomm has teamed with managed health care giant UnitedHealthcare to offer employees discounts on their health insurance deductibles if they wear a fitness tracker.

The companies on Tuesday said they have launched a sophisticated, connected activity tracker that monitors not only the number of steps taken but also the frequency and intensity of exercise.

UnitedHealthcare has a dedicated page on their website about their Fitness Reimbursement Program and explain:

We're serious about motivating our members to get engaged and make smarter choices for better health.

The Fitness Reimbursement Program offers money back for members who go to the gym on a regular basis. It's a convenient, fun, and profitable way to get in shape.

Hopefully this is just the beginning and more carriers will begin offering more rewards for healthy habits and exercise.