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September 13, 2007

PITT BENEFITS

2007-2008 Wellness Initiative: “Take Two Steps to Better Health”

The Office of Human Resources Benefits Department working in conjunction with UPMC Health Plan recently announced a wellness incentive for the 2007-2008 Plan year as part of the Fitness for Life Program. Consistent with other wellness efforts, the new program encourages our faculty and staff members, as well as their dependents, to take a proactive approach towards healthcare.

Faculty, Staff, Research Associates, Post Doctoral Associates and Post Doctoral Scholars who are enrolled in the University’s medical insurance coverage, as well as their covered spouse or domestic partner are eligible to participate in the voluntary initiative. The initiative consists of logging on to the UPMC Health Plan portal and completing two activities:

1. Review your personal “MyHealth Record” and

2. Complete the “MyHealth Questionnaire.”

Wellness Reward

Members who complete both “steps” are eligible to receive a Wellness Reward, which is a gift card valued at $50. Spouses and domestic partner completing the activities are also eligible for a $50 gift card. Participants living in Western Pennsylvania may choose between a gift card at Giant Eagle or a gift card/certificate at a University Bookstore. Members living outside the Western Pennsylvania area have the option of choosing between one of three other national gift cards.

The criteria to receive a Wellness Reward must be completed by October 31, 2007. In accordance with IRS regulations, the Wellness Reward is considered taxable income. Therefore, participants will have the gift card amount added as imputed income into their paycheck in 2007.

To date, over 10% of eligible members have completed the MyHealth Questionnaire and reviewed their MyHealth Record.

Instructions

To participate in the voluntary program, follow these instructions:

1. Visit www.upmchealthplan.com and log in to the secure Health Plan member portal. If you do not currently have a User ID and Password for the Health Plan portal, you can create one by following the instructions on the UPMC Health Plan home page.

2. Once you are logged in to the Health Plan member portal, click on the “Overview” link in the blue box titled “MyHealth” in order to view your personal “MyHealth Record.”

3. Upon review of the “MyHealth Record” then click on “MyHome” at the top of the page.

The “MyHealth Questionnaire” link can be accessed either in the blue “MyHealth” box or in the red “MyTools” box.

The “MyHealth Questionnaire” takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. You will receive a personal score at the end of the questionnaire. This score confirms that you have completed the questionnaire in its entirety. You may now exit the application.

4. Revisit and log in to the Health Plan member portal (www.upmchealthplan.com) 2-3 days following the completion of these two criteria. UPMC Health Plan needs 2-3 days to confirm that you have met the criteria to receive a Wellness Reward. Once logged in to the Health Plan member portal, if you see the “Congratulations!” verbiage written in green in the box titled “Earn your 2007-2008 Wellness Reward” then you are eligible to receive a Wellness Reward. Follow the link for instructions on selecting a gift card of your choice.

UPMC Health Plan’s new online MyHealth Record allows you to easily and securely input and manage your health information online. Your medical history as a Health Plan member is automatically uploaded to the site through claims data including recent prescriptions. You may input any other information you would like to include, in the privacy of your own home.

The MyHealth Record is easily accessible from any online connection and allows members to have access 24 hours a day. The site is secure and confidential and is held to the same level of security standards used in the banking and finance industries. Adult members may only view their own personal health records.

The MyHealth Record allows you to view past claims data and review lab screening results or diagnostic tests. You can even track your progress toward health-related goals by reviewing the results of a health screening (BMI, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels) or an online health risk assessment. Both of these can provide information on possible health risks you may develop in the future.

The MyHealth Questionnaire was developed in partnership with WebMD. After completing the questionnaire, you will be provided with a score and helpful suggestions for a healthier lifestyle.

For additional information on the Wellness Reward initiative, including detailed instructions and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the newly updated Fitness for Life Web site at: http://www.hr.pitt.edu/fitness/wellnessIncentive.htm.

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FSAP/Life Solutions

Acting upon comments and suggestions from the FSAP Advisory Committee and the University Senate’s Benefits and Welfare Committee, the name of the FSAP will transition to Life Solutions. This will reflect the broadening of services offered by the vendor to assist faculty and staff reach a more optimal work/life balance.

As an example of the greater outreach and services offered, an eldercare workshop with be conducted on Tuesday, September 25. Life Solutions will conduct this workshop in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute on Aging.

This workshop is open to faculty and staff and their family members.

What: Eldercare Workshop

When: September 25 – 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Where: William Pitt Union Ballroom

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“America on the Move”

The University of Pittsburgh is a key sponsor of “America on the Move” and the regional partner – “Get Moving Pittsburgh.” Dr. John Jakicic, Chair of the Department of Health and Physical Activity within the School of Education, serves as the chair for “Get Moving Pittsburgh.”

The one-year anniversary of “America on the Move in Pittsburgh” will be celebrated on September 21. Listed below are the details of the event. The University community is invited to join this lunchtime celebration. Listed below are a few of the details.

What: “America on the Move” Celebration

When: September 21 – 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Courthouse Courtyard (436 Grant Street)

The event starts with a welcome and opening remarks by KDKA-TV personalities. This will be followed by a proclamation by Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. A short celebration walk will end at Market Square where Leslie Sansone will conclude the activities.

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Flu Immunizations

“Flu Shots” are considered preventative and will be covered at 100% under the University’s medical plan coverage.

Members that obtain the flu vaccination through their in-network physician will have the cost of service processed directly with UPMC.

However, members will need to pay for the vaccine and send the receipt along with the special flu shot claim reimbursement form to UPMC if the vaccination is obtained elsewhere. As an example, some members may receive a vaccination through Giant Eagle, a prescription drug store, or special on-campus sites.

Make sure you consult with your physician to see if a flu shot is right for you.

You may access the form on the Benefits website at:www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits

NOTE: The benefits of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements will be governed by the terms of those agreements.

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Important Contact Information

Benefits Department

Office Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. M–F

200-B Craig Hall

Phone: 412-624-8160

Fax: 412-624-3485

www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits

Please visit our Web site for FAQs, downloadable forms and other benefits information.

Filed under: Volume 40 Issue 2

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