UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- As part of a strategic plan to better control health care costs for the University and its faculty and staff, Penn State officials from the Office of Human Resources have announced a wellness-focused initiative that will begin in July. In preparation for 2014 Benefits Open Enrollment, the initiative, called “Take Care of Your Health,” is designed to help employees and their spouse or same-sex domestic partner (SSDP) learn about possible health risks and take proactive steps to enhance their well-being. To avoid paying a $100-per-month surcharge beginning in January, benefits-enrolled employees and their spouse/SSDP will need to complete the simple steps of the Take Care of Your Health initiative.
In the coming days, all employees enrolled in the University health plan will receive a brochure by mail, which will outline details of the plan. Comprehensive information about the changes also is available online at http://ohr.psu.edu/benefits, including frequently asked questions, a recorded presentation and links to other important information. In addition, more details will be sent to employees by email in the coming week.
As part of the program, benefits-enrolled employees and their spouse/SSDP will need to complete an online wellness profile and a preventive physical exam certification by Nov. 22, 2013. Employees also will need to complete a basic biometric screening, which includes a full lipid profile, random glucose, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure check, by Oct. 8, 2013. Mobile units from Highmark will provide opportunities to complete the wellness profile at each campus; in addition, biometric screenings are scheduled at each campus, free of charge. Both schedules are available at http://ohr.psu.edu/benefits. It is important to note that screening results are confidential and will not be used to remove or reduce health care benefits, nor raise an individual’s health care premium. The results only are for individual health awareness, illness prevention and wellness promotion.
To learn more about these steps and to view the biometric screening and Highmark mobile unit schedules, visit http://ohr.psu.edu/benefits/benefits-enrollment or call Highmark Blue Shield at 800-914-4384.
Employees who are a part of the University’s Teamsters’ collective bargaining agreement will not see any health care benefit changes during the current contract term, which expires June 30, 2014.