David Quolke Cleveland Teachers Union
Below are some FAQs regarding the new Wellness Program in the TA.
WELLNESS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY WAS WELLNESS ADDED TO THE CONTRACT?
Over the years CTU has consistently advocated that the District begin a Wellness Program in an attempt to proactively attempt to control Healthcare costs. Wellness programs are designed to encourage individuals to monitor their health so that they can detect early warnings signs of potentially serious conditions (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) and work with their physicians to treat, monitor, and maintain their health. As the cost of healthcare continues to escalate rapidly in CMSD and throughout the country CTU believes a strong Wellness program is a better option than simply increasing premium costs or changing the design of our benefits. CTU also believes that a program that can potentially help our members be healthy and stay healthy is extremely valuable.
WHO MUST PARTICIPATE IN WELLNESS?
No one is required to participate in the Wellness program. Participation is voluntary. However, for members who have single coverage or members and spouses on family coverage who participate before Open Enrollment (which begins November 1) – member’s contribution will be reduced so that the member’s contribution remains the same as it is this year (although the contribution for working spouse is increasing).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN HEALTHCARE RATES FOR PARTICIPATING IN WELLNESS& NOT PARTICIPATING IN WELLNESS?
Participating in Wellness will save members money on their contribution to the monthly premium. Member contributions will increase in 2018, unless members and covered spouses participate. Those that participate by October 31 will continue to have health care contributions at current rates. Current member contribution to monthly premiums are at 10% of the monthly premium paid by the District with a cap of $75 for single coverage and $170 for family coverage. Members that choose the new low-cost healthcare option (UHChoice) will enjoy an even greater discounted rate for participating in Wellness.
Rates will commence on January 1, 2018. UHChoice will be available commencing January 1, 2018.
AETNA | MMO | UHChoice | |
Single (Not participating in Wellness) | 10% capped at $100 | 10% capped at $100 | $50 |
Single (Participating in Wellness | 10% capped at $75 | 10% capped at $75 | $35 |
Family (Member and/or spouse not participating in Wellness) | 10% capped at $220 | 10% capped at $220 | $120 |
Family (Member and spouse participating in Wellness) | 10% capped at $170 | 10% capped at $170 | $100 |
WHAT IS THE ADDITIONAL COST FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE WELLNESS PROGRAM?
There is no additional cost for participating in Wellness. There is no cost to you or your covered spouse for the physical (including blood work) or survey.
WHAT DOES A SINGLE OR FAMILY HAVE TO DO TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CMSD WELLNESS PROGRAM?
Essentially, get a physical with a doctor of your choice and complete an on-line survey. The exact wording is this: (1) Participate in biometric testing consisting of Body Mass Index (BMI), glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol testing and (2) Complete a health risk assessment. The member will do this if the coverage is single. Both the member and the covered spouse will do this if both are covered. There is no cost to you or your covered spouse for the physical or the survey.
WHAT IS BIOMETRIC TESTING CONSISTING OF Body Mass Index (BMI), glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol testing?
BMI requires being weighed and measuring your height. Glucose and cholesterol is a blood test. Blood Pressure is a blood pressure check.
WHAT IS A HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT?
A health risk assessment (HRA) is an on-line health questionnaire, used to provide individuals with an evaluation of their health risks and quality of life. The survey is confidential between you, your doctor (if you choose to provide it to your doctor) and your Healthcare provider: AETNA, MMO or UH Choice. A healthcare professional from your provider may communicate with you and offer alternatives to assist you in bettering your health. Whether you take any of those suggestions is your decision.
WHEN DO THE WELLNESS STEPS NEED TO BE COMPLETED?
New coverage under UHChoice and new rates are in effect on January 1, 2018. All Wellness exams, tests, and survey need to be completed before open enrollment. Open enrollment is in November of each year.
WHO WILL SEE THE RESULTS OF MY WEIGHT, BLOOD TESTS, BLOOD PRESSURE, ETC.?
No one except you, your doctor, and your Healthcare provider. You will have a specific form that your doctor will sign verifying that you did complete the BMI, glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol testing. That verification will be turned in to prove you have completed that part of the Wellness Program, not the results of any tests.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR NOT PARTICIPATING IN WELLNESS?
Participating in Wellness is completely voluntary. Those that choose not to participate in the Wellness Program will pay the new healthcare rates beginning January 1, 2018.
SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN WELLNESS?
The Cleveland Teachers Union would strongly encourage everyone to participate in this Wellness program.