Walgreens links reward program to health goals

Walgreens announced April 2 that it is expanding its Balance Rewards program to give extra points to customers for completing health-related activities.

Before the expansion, members were awarded 10 points per mile they walked, but now they will receive 20 points per mile walked. Members who track their weight will also earn 20 points per day, and now other activities will earn points, too.

“By enhancing our loyalty program to further promote healthy behaviors, we’re encouraging customers to take steps to help them achieve overall wellness,” Graham Atkinson, Walgreens’ Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer stated in a press release. “It’s also another way Walgreens helps people get, stay and live well.”

Members can also earn 500 points for eligible prescriptions they fill or immunizations they receive.

"In order to help participants stay motivated and maintain a healthy lifestyle, Walgreens is making it easy for members to set goals, which earn 250 points for the first goal set, track progress, and find encouragement from virtual community members," Walgreens stated.

Members can use wireless activity trackers such as Fitbit, Bodymedia, and Withings to sync their walking activity with the Walgreens program, and for each device linked, they will earn 250 points.