Highmark Inc. has taken steps to bring health care planning to customers' smart phones.

The Pittsburgh-based health insurer announced a six-year partnership with Sharecare, a digital health company, to offer new health and wellness solutions to employer group customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Beginning January 1, 2019, Highmark members will have access to Sharecare's mobile and web-based platform. The application allows users to manage their health care and create step-by-step plans for improving it.

"Consumers are more active in their own health care, but they are challenged with credible real-time information to help with health care decisions," said Dr. Charles DeShazer, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Highmark. "Sharecare is laser focused to meet consumer expectations and ensure an exceptional member experience, and further sets its platform apart with personalized articles, videos and health content from trusted sources like the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control - all through the smartphone and in the palm of your hand."

Sharecare provides real-time data and personalized messages to encourage regular engagement with the mobile platform. New users begin with a health risk assessment, which personalizes their account. Sharecare also allows users to track daily health measures such as sleep, diet, stress, blood pressure and medications.

"We are excited to offer Sharecare to our customers with easy to implement wellness programs that produce meaningful outcomes," said Matthew J. Rhenish, president of national and specialty markets at Highmark Inc. "Through a personalized, mobile experience, employers will be able to reach and engage their entire workforce, motivate employees to make positive health changes, and measure the results."