Maryland DBM Secretary David Brinkley announced the changes to the wellness plan this week. The wellness plan is part of the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, which is designed to make healthcare more affordable for State employees while improving overall health.
“These changes to the Wellness Plan address the concerns of state employees and will help many more take advantage of the program,” Secretary Brinkley said. “We are happy to announce these changes in an effort to improve customer service, improve the health of our workers, and provide savings.”
The important points for State Employees are:
- State Employees will not pay the $50 surcharge which was scheduled to begin in April 2016, and no one will pay the surcharge in 2017.
- For workers who completed the 2015 Healthy Activities by 12/31/15, PCP copays will be waived ($0 Co-Pays) through 12/31/16. You do not need to complete the 2016 activities.
- For those who did not complete the 2015 Healthy Activities, you can still earn the reward of waived PCP copays by completing the 2016 Healthy Activites listed (see FAQs, below).
- Age/Gender screenings and participation in disease management are voluntary.
You can read more about the announcement and get more information the DBM webpage.
2016 Wellness Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)