To complete the wellness program and qualify for the 2024 wellness incentive you must complete the Tobacco Pledge and Notice, during 2024 Open Enrollment.
If you do not use tobacco/nicotine products, you must complete the TobaccoPledge and Notice during Open Enrollment and agree to continue being tobacco-free.
If you DO use tobacco/nicotine products, you must complete the TobaccoPledge and Notice during Open Enrollment, including committing to enrolling in and completing a recognized tobacco cessation program in 2024 (see below for more information).
Only the employee/primary subscriber must complete the Pledge—your spouse and covered dependents do not need to complete the Pledge for you to earn wellness program incentives.
If you do not complete the Tobacco Pledge and Notice, you choose to continue to use tobacco/nicotine, or you use tobacco/nicotine and do not commit to enrolling in and completing a recognized tobacco cessation program, you will be assessed the $50 monthly tobacco surcharge (that’s $600 per year!). Note: If you are a nine-month employee, your monthly tobacco surcharge amount may differ to account for the nine-month payroll period.
You’ll pay the surcharge through payroll deductions on an after-tax basis for the entire 2024 calendar year.
We are committed to helping you achieve your best health. Rewards for participating in the wellness program are available to all benefits-eligible employees. If you think that you are unable to meet the requirements for a reward under the wellness program, you might qualify to earn the reward by a different means. Contact your campus Human Resources office and we will work with you to find a wellness program to qualify you for the same reward in light of your health status.
Completing the Pledge
You can complete the Tobacco Pledge and Notice through Workday during enrollment.
Wellness Program Incentives
If you complete the Pledge, you can earn the following incentives, based on your medical plan coverage:
Classic Plan: You’ll save $1,250 (individual coverage) or $2,500 (family coverage) on your medical plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum
Premier Plan: You’ll save $500 (individual coverage) or $1,000 (family coverage) on your medical plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Tobacco Cessation Programs
Many recognized tobacco cessation programs that provide services or one-on-one counseling are available at no cost to you, including:
The University has teamed up with UMR to provide a tobacco cessation program to covered employees. When you participate in the program, you will qualify for two NO COST tobacco cessation visits with your primary care physician.
If your physician prescribes Chantix, you may fill your prescription with for free for up to six months.
Contact a UMR Wellness Coach at 800.207.7680 to enroll in the tobacco cessation program.
Get Help Quitting—Free of Charge!
Visit your in-network primary care physician for tobacco cessation assistance at no cost to you (limited to two visits per year). Plus, you can receive no-cost Chantix (prescription smoking-cessation medication)—patches or gum. Important: Your office visit must be coded as a tobacco cessation visit in order for the $0 copay to apply.
Real Appeal Weight Loss Program
Real Appeal is an online weight loss program. It’s available for free to University employees enrolled in a University medical plan. Real Appeal is designed to help you lose weight and live a healthier life.
Here’s what you’ll get with Real Appeal:
Up to a year of support from a Transformation Coach. This is the person who guides you through the program and develops a simple, customized plan that fits your needs, preferences and goals.
Unlimited access to Real Appeal’s digital content library. The library includes workout videos, tools to help track food, activity and weight, weekly analysis and feedback, recipes and more.
Access to weekly online coaching sessions with your Transformation Coach and a group of fellow members. Session topics include emotional eating, mindset, lack of motivation, and adding more behavior change and psychology tips.
A success kit. It’s full of healthy weight management tools, including a perfect portions plate, weight scale and access to a digital fitness subscription.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Looking for some guidance? Consider if alcoholics anonymous meetings could provide the help you need. Join a meeting or contact them at 609.641.8855. They also offer a 24 hour hotline: 800.604.HELP(4357).
