Maybe this is a sign of insurance companies finally starting to come around. Quite honestly, it never really made much sense to me that health care companies will fight you tooth and nail to cover smaller procedures, yet coverage is provided for more severe and complicated surgeries (in many cases, anyway).

But, considering that the far more expensive major surgery could have been avoided in the first place if the smaller and less costly procedures were covered (and therefore taken care of by patients), it seems to only make sense that insurance companies are now beginning to reward healthy lifestyles.

In an article written in in the Los Angeles Times, several businesses were highlighted that are receiving extra "benefits" from their health insurance provider. In addition to their normal insurance coverage, companies such as Ottawa Dental Laboratory employees receive "bucks" -- a point accumulation system wherein said points can be redeemed by employees for merchandise -- for getting in shape, lowering their cholesterol, smoking cessation, or controlling their chronic conditions such as diabetes.

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We all know the exercise is an essential aspect to a healthy lifestyle, and healthy living reduces our chances of illness and other health problems. Why, then, aren't there more government funded exercise programs? Surely getting people to be active would reduce healthcare costs in the long run, right?

According to this, that's exactly what exercise programs do. A study was conducted with senior citizens with diabetes, and it was found that healthcare costs were reduced when community-based exercise programs were implemented. It is believed that these findings will be reflected in individuals living with chronic conditions in other communities, too. What do you think? Are community-based activities prevalent in your area?

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Are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) known for excellent access to affordable health care? Not likely, according to many people I have spoken with in recent years. While the "affordable" part of the equation may be true, the "quality" part is not. But, according to a new study, HMO participants could save money but participating in exercise programs.

But, what is HMOs gave the opportunity for customers to participate in a subsidized community-based exercise program? Would that help lessen the health care costs since this would most likely mean healthier clients? Probably so.

Dr. Huong Q. Nguyen -- of the University of Washington, in Seattle, Washington -- said that "these findings warrant additional investigations to determine whether policies to offer and promote a community-based physical activity benefit in older adults with diabetes can reduce health care costs."

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