Making fitness flexible with the One Pass benefit in North Carolina

Consistent physical activity has been shown to improve brain health and strengthen bones and muscles.¹ Additionally, it also reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

A 2023 KFF survey found 24.9% of North Carolina residents reported having symptoms of anxiety or depression.² As of 2022, obesity prevalence rates in North Carolina were 33.5% for children and 34.1% for adults.³

Associated with chronic diseases and leading causes of mortality, obesity is a common condition in the U.S.⁴ Obesity increases the risk of stroke, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and premature death.⁵ Childhood obesity is associated with anxiety, depression and low scores for self-reported quality of life.

Improving health outcomes by increasing physical activity is often pursued through gym memberships. However, the portion of new gym members who cancel their membership within the first six months stands at 50%.⁶ Reasons for cancellation include membership costs, scheduling, transportation difficulties and social anxiety.

Digital workouts are becoming increasingly more popular to engage in physical activity while avoiding social anxiety triggers, transportation difficulties and costly membership fees. A recent study from the National Library of Medicine found that study participants using online workouts reported benefits to their mental health, added structure to their day, increased social connection and reduced feelings of isolation.⁷

Studies have also shown that home-based exercises and digital health interventions improve physical function in older adults, reducing the number of falls and improving quality of life ratings.⁸

Dedicated to improving health outcomes in North Carolina, UnitedHealthcare is now offering the One Pass program as a hybrid solution to provide physical activity opportunities that are both in-person and digitally connected.

This program provides members 18 and older with unlimited access to multiple network locations and the ability to change locations anytime. Members can access digital fitness solutions including thousands of workout videos and customizable workout builders. Digital solutions can be found on the One Pass website which also houses a fitness directory and delivery services for groceries and household essentials.

An Optum benefit, One Pass is the largest national Medicaid fitness network in the industry with over 300 select fitness locations in North Carolina including: Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, Planet Fitness and the YMCA. Specific to YMCA benefits, members may enroll up to five family members within the same household free of cost. The program’s mission is to make fitness flexible and engaging for everyone. One Pass helps individuals reach their whole-body health goals while having fun and discovering new passions along the way.

UnitedHealthcare is committed to supporting whole-person health, providing not only quality care but investing in resources to encourage healthy lifestyles. Providing flexible gym access and working to reduce barriers to physical activity, UnitedHealthcare is there for what matters.