Options for earning preferred health insurance rate expanded to offer more flexibility
The wellness program that enables City employees to qualify for a reduced contribution rate on their health insurance premium has been expanded to make it more flexible and personalized for 2013.
Under the revamped program, employees who earn 300 points for completing any combination of the health actions listed below by Aug. 31, 2013 will qualify for the wellness rate on their 2014 health coverage. (Nearly 85 percent of City employees earned the wellness rate for 2013 and, as a result, are paying $360 less for single coverage or $1,200 less for family coverage than the folks who didn’t finish the program.)
How to start earning a lower rate
To start the program, visit mymedica.com and click on the Health & Wellness tab. The first time you visit the site in 2013, you’ll be asked to complete a short health questionnaire called the Personal Health Profile. When you do, you will be awarded your first 100 points.
Options to earn points
Once you complete the Personal Health Profile, you’ll be able to view your Personal Health Scorecard on mymedica.com. Points you have earned and points you are eligible to earn in the future will be listed there. When you first visit your scorecard, you will see the four health actions listed below that you can take to improve your health and earn the wellness premium.
- Personal Health Profile (100 points) – In addition to earning 100 points for completing the Personal Health Profile, you will receive a $20 gift card from Medica.
- Health Topics and Goals (100 points) – If you complete eight new health topics and set eight health goals, you will earn 100 points and a $40 gift card from Medica.
- Biometric Screening (100 points) – Watch for biometric screening events at your worksite this year, or have your testing done by your physician. Obtain screening for blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood pressure and body mass index to earn 100 points.
- Fit Choices by Medica (100 points) – Work out at a participating fitness center eight times per month for at least four months between now and July 31, 2013, to earn 100 points.
Additional options
Up to two more health actions may be added to your scorecard if you are invited by Medica to participate in either the Health Coaching or Tobacco Cessation programs. You also have the option of referring yourself to these programs by calling Medica at 1-866-905-7430.
You do not have to participate in these programs — even if you are invited. To earn the preferred premium, you must, however, take three actions to earn a total of 300 points.
- Health Coaching (100 points) – When you complete two calls with a health coach by Aug. 31, 2013, you will earn 100 points. If you complete the entire health coaching program by Dec. 31, 2013, which varies in length but may take four to six months, you’ll also receive a $75 gift card from Medica. Call 1-866-905-7430 to get started.
- Tobacco Cessation Program (100 points) – Folks who complete the tobacco cessation program by Aug. 31, 2013, will earn 100 program points. The program includes free nicotine replacement therapy. Call 1-800-934-4824 to enroll.
Programs for people with specific conditions
Some employees may be invited to participate in and earn points for completing programs that are designed for individuals with specific conditions or diagnoses.
You do not have to participate in these programs — even if you are invited. To earn the preferred premium, you must, however, take three actions to earn a total of 300 points.
- Healthy Pregnancy Program (100 points) – for first time and/or high-risk pregnancies.
- Treatment Decision Program (100 points) – assistance in evaluating treatment options for people with specific diagnoses related to back pain, degenerative joint problems, chronic chest discomfort, benign uterine problems, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
- Medication Therapy Management Program (100 points) – support to ensure safe, effective, affordable medication therapy.
- Case Management (100 points) – work with a nurse who will help you understand your condition, evaluate treatment options and communicate more effectively with your doctors. This program is only for people with complex health conditions and you must be invited by Medica to participate.
For more information about the wellness program, visit www.minneapolismn.gov/hr and click on the Health & Wellness tab.
Published Jan. 16, 2013