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Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and Health Alliance stepping up to support a healthier workforce

CHICAGO – Health Alliance and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced today a new virtual walk/run to help State employees continue their fitness goals while safely practicing social distancing. The Fall into Fitness Virtual Walk/Run will allow participants to choose their course to complete a 5K or 10K and receive helpful training tips like proper hydration, stretching and movement technique, all available 24/7.

 “Staying healthy isn’t easy, but we offer plenty of ways for employees and communities to succeed,” Alison Jones, Registered Dietitian and Health Alliance Health and Wellness Coordinator, said. “It’s even more important with a continued focus on keeping ourselves safe and healthy with COVID-19 and cold and flu season upon us.”  

Fall into Fitness is one of several on-demand resources developed by Health Alliance and CMS for State of Illinois employees and retirees to help them along their personal fitness journeys during COVID-19. CMS and Health Alliance developed on-demand digital tools and training activities to help support State of Illinois employees and retirees in preparation for the event and have also partnered with Aetna, BlueAdvantage HMO, HMO Illinois, Healthlink, Humana and United Healthcare.  

“Making wellness simple and engaging is our priority. A virtual option helps unite our workforce across the State and makes it accessible to everyone,” CMS Director Janel L. Forde, said. “We are proud to partner with Health Alliance to develop innovative ways to support a healthier workforce.”

Fall into Fitness is free to all State of Illinois employees, retirees or covered dependents. Between October 12-19, participants can walk/run on their own terms by choosing the time and place to complete the race. 

All finishers receive a certificate of completion and pin to proudly display on their employee badge reel. All participants who help inspire their colleagues by sharing a photo of themselves training for the event on the event Facebook page will earn a chance to win $200 voucher toward fitness gear.

“Healthier people live longer and have less health complications later in life,” Sinead Rice Madigan, Health Alliance Chief Operating Officer, said. “It’s important that we meet people where they are in their wellness journey and support them during their first step and beyond.”

Health Alliance wellness experts recommend consistent exercise, plenty of rest and eating a balanced diet to keep on track for healthy living.

“You can run, jog or walk in the early morning or over lunch, inside or outdoors,” Jones said. “This is a great option for anyone who has wanted to challenge themselves, but found committing to a set date and time hard.”

Health Alliance provides high-quality insurance coverage to State employees and retirees that includes resources to help them prepare for their race day. This includes, among other offerings:

  • A four-part video series about how to prepare to do a 5K or 10K (stretching, hydration, training and nutrition).
  • Health and wellness blog highlighting the importance of physical activity.
  • Regular reminders with recipes, insight and more on social media.
  • Hally™ health, a suite of wellness offerings and personalized health tools for members and the general public. Available online at HallyHealth.com or download the Hally app on your mobile device.

Find these training resources at our new Hally health webpage.

Organizers will encourage employees to celebrate their individual accomplishments on race day. Participants can share photos, signs and words of encouragement on the event Facebook page.

“You can always find a reason not to get out there, but the fall season provides so many reasons to say yes – the leaves are changing, it’s cooler and winter isn’t far behind. Crossing that virtual finish line can have an amazing impact on your mood and health,” Jones said.

Registration is open through October 11 at https://fallfitness.challengerunner.com/GroupPage.aspx. The first 1,000 registrants will receive a free race t-shirt.

 

About Health Alliance:

Based in Champaign, IL, Health Alliance operates in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Washington with additional licenses in Nebraska and Missouri. Health Alliance is part of Carle Health, an integrated system of healthcare services, which includes a five-hospital system, multi-specialty physician groups, as well as Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Stephens Family Clinical Research Institute.

In Illinois, Health Alliance offers employer group plans, individual plans, Medicare plans, State of Illinois Employee plans and State of Illinois Retiree plans through Total Retiree Advantage Illinois. Health Alliance has provided insurance to the State of Illinois for nearly 40 years. In Iowa, the Health Alliance offers employer group plans and Medicare plans. And in Washington, we offer Medicare plans and public individual plans. In Indiana and Ohio, Health Alliance offers Medicare plans.

 

About CMS:

Central Management Services (CMS) is the operational engine working behind the scenes to enable the State’s more than 80 agencies, boards, and commissions to deliver efficient, reliable services to all Illinois citizens. The Agency’s mission is to support the State by delivering innovative, responsive, and effective services that provide the best value for Illinois State government and the people it serves.

The CMS Bureau of Benefits oversees the provision and administration of group health benefits for approximately 295,000 members and almost 450,000 covered lives, in four different insurance programs.

The Bureau also oversees the administration of basic and optional life insurance, dental and vision insurance, the Medical Care Assistance Program (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP), Commuter Savings Program (CSP) and the newly-implemented Health Savings Account (HSA), as well as several other programs for employees and retirees.