HAP Launches HAP AdvantageComplementary and Alternative Medicine

DETROIT (October 23, 2000) -- Health Alliance Plan will launch HAP Advantage on January 1, 2001. HAP Advantage offers perks on a variety of health-related services for members in all HAP product lines: HMO, Alliance Health and Life, Health Choice and Senior Plus.

The first perk HAP will unveil is complementary and alternative medicine services. HAP members will have access to a national network of chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists, as well as access to free shipping on health and wellness products. Additional services for HAP members will be rolled out under the HAP Advantage program throughout 2001.

HAP Advantage, with its complementary and alternative medicine services, is a value-added perk for members, not a covered benefit. Members will receive special, preferred rates from participating providers.

The complementary and alternative medicine network is administered by American Specialty Health Networks (ASHN), the first and largest managed complementary health care organization in the country.

• Alternative Medicine: HAP members receive a 25% discount at all ASHN network chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists when they show their HAP ID card. Members choose providers from ASHN's national network and set up their own appointments – no referral is necessary.
• Link to HAP for Health and Wellness Products: HAP members can link to ASHN's Healthyroads website through HAP's website, www.hapcorp.org. Healthyroads offers hundreds of high quality health products such as vitamins, herbal supplements, books, tapes and other health and wellness items. HAP members are guaranteed the lowest prices and free shipping charges when they link to Healthyroads through HAP's website.

A January 1993 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that one out of three Americans used some form of unconventional therapy along with conventional medical treatment in 1990.

"HAP offers members the option of integrating complementary and alternative medicine into their traditional health care treatment," said Mary Beth Bolton, M.D., HAP senior vice president and chief medical director. "Complementary and alternative medicine supports HAP's philosophy of balancing the needs of the whole person, rather than focusing only on treating disease or illness. Members feel empowered when they have more health care choices, especially when preventing or dealing with a chronic illness."

"I am pleased that HAP is adding complementary and alternative services as an option for their members. Doctors often refer their patients to these practitioners but, because of the costs, patients rarely follow through," said Steven Margolis, M.D., a family physician at Alterna Care in Sterling Heights. "Combining traditional therapies with alternative medicine helps patients become more open and enhances the patient-physician relationship," said Margolis.

HAP developed the HAP Advantage program in response to consumer demand. Members have requested access to complementary and alternative medicine services.

"HAP Advantage is definitely a step in the right direction," said Tracy Parish, HAP member and Detroit resident. "I used to drive to Canada for acupuncture treatment for my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Now, not only will I find an acupuncturist closer, I'll get a 25% discount," said Parish.

For more information about HAP Advantage, visit HAP's website, www.hapcorp.org, or call HAP Member Services at 313.872.8100.