Key Changes To HEM

From SEIU Local 503, OPEU:

Below are the latest recommendations we are making to the Governor’s office and to PEBB around the Health Engagement Model.  We would also like to summarize the changes we’ve seen PEBB make since many are taking effect July 1, 2012.  Our coordinated efforts to reform and improve the HEM are making a difference.

In our June Joint Labor Management HEM committee meeting, we made the following recommendations:

·      PEBB should not make any additional requirements during 2013 around the HEM – in order to qualify for the incentive, participants should complete the Health Risk Assessment and do the e-lessons.

·      If HEM participants take part in agency or campus wellness activities (like a walking group) or wellness programs through their health provider (like smoking cessation or Weight Watchers), completion of the e-lessons should be waived.

·      The requirement to record your waist measurement – while an indicator of potential health risks – feels demeaning to some, and should be removed as a requirement.

·      The Governor should send a letter to all agency heads and campus Presidents encouraging collaborative workplace wellness initiatives.

The next PEBB board meeting is Tuesday, June 19 from 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. in the PEBB/OEBB Board Room, DAS East, General Services Bldg., 1225 Ferry St SE, Ste B, Salem.  We expect PEBB to have a discussion about HEM design for 2013 and hope the board hears our recommendations.  These meetings are open to the public and can be viewed online via the PEBB website: http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/PEBB/Pages/meetings.aspx

Summary of Key Changes to HEM:

Download a pdf flyer of this information here

Thanks to thousands of members speaking out along with the coordinated efforts of our representatives on the Health Engagement Model (HEM) joint labor management committee and our two SEIU PEBB board members, several changes have been made to the HEM.

During this early phase of starting HEM, our collective advocacy has encouraged PEBB to implement an appeal process for members who missed the deadlines for filling out their Health Risk Assessment (March 31st) but felt factors outside their control had caused the delay. We are also continuing to encourage PEBB to ensure there is a method for members to confirm whether they have completed their HEM requirements throughout the year.

Beginning July 1, 2012, the following changes will be in effect:

• Allowing employees who originally opted out of HEM to sign up to participate in the HEM at any time during the year. Your HEM deductions will end depending on when you enroll; if you enroll by the 15th of the month, the surcharge will end in your next paycheck.  If you enroll after the 15th, the surcharge will end in the following paycheck. 
• Reducing the surcharge for couples with one non-HEM participant to $17.50/month rather than the full $35/month charge.
• Eliminating double surcharges (i.e. $70 instead of $35) for couples who both work for the State.
• Pro-rating HEM surcharges for part-time workers to $10 for an individual who doesn’t participate and $20 for a couple.

Starting in 2013 there are a number of other changes that will take place:

• Incentive: HEM participants will receive a $17.50/month incentive ($35/month for couples).
• There will no longer be a surcharge if PEBB members or their spouses/partners opt out of the HEM.
• Instead of the surcharge ($210/year for individuals and $420/year for couples), the annual medical deductible for those who choose not to participate in HEM will increase by $100.

Additionally, we were able to make a change to one of the new surcharges that is not part of the HEM:

• When someone reports that they have quit using tobacco mid-year, they will no longer have to pay the tobacco surcharge.  Previously, the surcharge would be in effect for the entire plan year.

We would also like to remind HEM participants that the deadline to complete two e-lessons is July 15, 2012.

While we recognize that PEBB has made changes to the Health Engagement Model based on our concerns, we know that our workplace environments are a key to better health. Please watch for a survey about where we should focus our collective efforts in making our workplaces more supportive of our health goals.

You can also reach us (your SEIU HEM committee representatives) at HEMcommittee@seiu503.org

In unity,

Keary DeBeck, DOJ, Salem
Nat Elder, WOU, Monmouth
Sabrina Freewynn, OHA, Portland
Wednesday Martin, DHS, Roseburg
Shaun Parkman, Alternate, OHA, Portland
Siobhan Martin, Staff Advisor