Apple, Aetna team up on health app: 8 things to know

Julie Spitzer -

Apple and Aetna are joining forces to build an iPhone and Apple Watch app that will reward Aetna members for meeting health goals such as regularly exercising or getting enough sleep each night, CNBC reports.

Eight things to know:

1. The app is called Attain, and the two companies have been developing it since 2016. It will be available this spring.

2. What makes Attain different from other health-focused reward apps, according to CNBC, is that it creates a personalized experience for the user. Those who sign up for the program will be assigned health goals — as well as reminders and rewards — unique to them.

"From fitness enthusiasts, to casual gym-goers, to parents who get all their exercise by keeping up with their kids — we designed Attain for everyone," said Alan Lotvin, executive vice president of transformation for Aetna parent company CVS Health. "We understand that you don't need to be a personal trainer or work out several hours a day to be healthier."

3. Aetna members will add their health history and Apple Watch data to the app, and Aetna can integrate members' claims information, to recommend health goals designed for each individual.

4. All data will be encrypted, and Apple told CNBC it will not access personally identifiable information. Aetna also said  that it would not use Apple Watch data — such as heart rate or number of steps taken — to inform coverage decisions.

5. Aetna will give those who enroll and don't already have an Apple Watch a Series 3 device. Members can also opt to pay out of pocket for the latest version of the watch, Series 4. All program participants will be able to "pay off" the device by meeting fitness goals over the course of 24 months, according to CNBC.

6. Points also can be redeemed for other rewards, such as corporate gift cards.

7. The voluntary program is available to Aetna members with an iPhone 5s or later. Enrollees can drop out at any time, but may be required to pay back a portion of the Apple Watch out-of-pocket. Additionally, members can alert Aetna if they have a health issue that might prevent them from meeting their health goals.

8. The program will open to the first 250,000 to 300,000 people who enroll, and Aetna plans to eventually make it available to its more than 22.1 million members. Employers that offer Aetna health plans also can buy more enrollment slots for their employees.

For the complete report, click here.

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