Health insurance provider Humana launched a new health app for users of its wellness rewards program, HumanaVitality. Humana members whose plans include HumanaVitality can use the app to keep track of their health and fitness goals.
In addition to tracking health and fitness metrics, select members can use the app, available on iOS and Android devices, to take health assessments, challenge coworkers to health-related competitions, and read information on staying healthy.
After taking certain health assessments, users will learn their "Vitality Age". HumanaVitality developed the “Vitality Age” to show users a representation of their risk-adjusted age. The new number is meant to teach members how their current behaviors are impacting their health.
The app also integrates with several fitness apps and devices, including Withings, Fitbit, Misfit, Strava, and Moves.
Members can also personalize their experience by telling the app what kinds of health metrics they aim to improve, for example getting active, eating healthier, losing weight or reducing stress. When members accomplish goals and complete activities they can also earn Vitality points that they can redeem for prizes, like an Amazon gift card or a pedometer.
Humana first launched HumanaVitality in July 2011 as a program that used a points-based rewards system to encourage healthy behavior and wellness education among employee populations. The wellness program is a joint venture between Humana and the Vitality program parent company, South Africa-based Discovery Holdings.
In February 2011, when Humana first announced the program, MobiHealthNews interviewed the company's then Chief Strategy Officer Paul Kusserow.
"We have this integrated wellness program now but we know we need to figure out how to put it through mobile apps to drive engagement,” he said at the time. “We are talking to a lot of people to get ideas there.”
While Vitality’s dashboard has been available through Humana’s other app, MyHumana, this is the platform’s first standalone app.
In October 2013, Humana acquired Boston-based health engagement company Healthrageous. At the time, MobiHealthNews reported that it was likely the acquisition meant Humana would make considerable changes to the HumanaVitality platform.
