Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey can get a 15 percent discount on monthly frees at YMCA of Montclair. The insurance company is partnering with over 50 YMCAs to promote healthy living and community activation.
Diane Davis, a member of the YMCA on Park Street, joined in 2019 after being diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Since joining, she has lost 100 pounds and started biking up to 50 miles a day.
Davis is just one of 1,000 residents benefitting from the discounts provided from the partnership. Since starting the initiative in January, 100 members have signed up as new members for the YMCA.
“’I’m incredibly proud of our long history of working together to address physical and mental health to improve all New Jerseyans that we serve,” Jonathan Pearson, executive director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and Corporate Social Responsibility said at a press conference in late February held at the YMCA of Montclair. “This discount program is just another example of how we’re driving our 3.7 million members to lead a healthier lifestyle.”
Senator John Mckeon called the partnership a “win-win.”
“I always thought the genius beyond the Affordable Care Act had to do with healthy living, and well being as opposed to dealing with people when they became ill,” he said. Mckeon believes this partnership is an extension of programs like that.
“Knowing all the challenges of the families here that we serve throughout the state, 15 percent is a big discount,” he said.
Physical Activity and Mental Health
The partnership also impacts mental health. Robert Davidson, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Morris and Essex County said his association is intentional about working alongside YMCA’s.
“That’s where the community is. That’s where our citizens are, that’s where America is,” he said. During the pandemic, Davidson cited a rise in anxiety, depression and substance abuse in New Jersey, particularly among the youth population. Davidson is also a board member of YMCA Montclair.
“Physical activity and physical health is absolutely essential to mental health. We know that as a result of that, it improves their mental state, it improves their depression, it relieves their anxiety disorder and improves their cognitive ability,” he said.
Julie Gallanty, CEO of New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, said “We are deeply appreciative of the partnership and the opportunity to improve physical and mental health in all the communities that we serve,” she said. “It supports social determinants of health, it’s equitable and it allows people from all economic positions to participate.”
For new members, the YMCA will waive the initiation fee to join. The YMCA of Montclair- Geyer Family Branch is also participating in the program. Horizon members eligible for HorizonbFit, an incentive program to help members stay on track of fitness goals, can access additional savings.
YMCA offers swim lessons, fitness classes, summer camps and much more. To receive the discount, present your insurance ID card when signing up.