COLUMBIA, SC – To date, BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina has identified 250 children of its 49,061 member base aged 2 to 17 to participate in its childhood obesity program.

The disease management program, which began in mid September, incorporates incentives and whole family participation to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors, said Tamara Fravel, supervisor of Health Management.

Members, identified by diagnosis codes from claims history or recommended by physicians, and their families will receive tips, encouragement and educational material, she said.

The program is designed to change overweight and obese children’s lifestyles now to prevent the development of chronic diseases while increasing quality of life, said Rolanda Aiken, vice president of health services.

The children, divided into two groups – ages 2 through 9 and ages 10 to 17 – are given a voucher to see a registered network dietician. The older age group participants receive a $15 gift card to an athletic-themed store.

“We tried to make this as accessible as possible and remove any cost barriers,” Aiken said.

Physicians and registered network dieticians will coach the participants. The program was announced at physician conferences, in physician newsletters and on its Web site for members and physicians. “We will continue to identify opportunities to promote the program to pediatricians and PCPs,” said Fravel.