Biometric Health Screenings begin June 1
Some of you have received notice from County Human Resources that the County will conduct biometric screenings from June 1–Aug. 26, 2017.
OCEA supports voluntary and effective incentive-based wellness programs. However, OCEA has been and remains opposed to the punitive program adopted by the County, a program that by no realistic measure can be called “voluntary.” Nevertheless, for the time being all employees enrolled in a County health plan must complete the three-step biometric screening process to qualify for a “wellness credit” towards your health care premiums. The County estimates the value of the credit to be somewhere between $300 and $1,200 per employee annually depending on a number of factors (family size, amount of coverage, etc.).
If you do not participate this year, your health care premium will increase dramatically in January, eroding your paycheck and hurting your family’s budget.
OCEA continues to engage the County to develop positive changes to convert Healthy Steps into a meaningful incentive-based wellness program. In the meantime, OCEA recommends that you participate in the current program this year to avoid the significant additional expense entailed in not participating.
You must complete all three steps by Aug. 26:
- Biometric Screening—Free confidential screenings on County time are available at County facilities or at a Quest Diagnostic Lab. Click here for instructions.
- Health Risk Assessment—Complete your Health Risk Assessment online at http://tinyurl.com/ochealthysteps
- Non-Smoking Attestation—Complete online at http://tinyurl.com/ochealthysteps
Need help navigating online enrollment? Call 1-800-492-9812. Set-up your account by clicking here.
In previous years, OCEA has made its building available to conduct the biometric screenings. Due to multiple scheduling conflicts, OCEA will be unable to host screenings this year.
Remember, the County’s current health care program requires you to take action to avoid substantial increases in your family’s healthcare costs.
Publication Date: May 24, 2017
