On January 19, 2016 the State of Maryland issued a press release regarding major changes to the State Wellness Program. As you may recall, the State Wellness Program was implemented in 2015 in an effort to keep healthcare premiums low for state employees, while improving overall health. Since then, the State has recognized the challenges associated with the program and has made significant changes that will address employee concerns and still promote engagement with the medical providers. Here is an overview of the changes:

1. The surcharges have been eliminated for 2016 and 2017 regardless of whether the member completed his or her wellness activities.
2. Those who completed the 2015 healthy activities do not have to complete them again in 2016; the $0 copay for all Primary Care Provider (PCP) office visits (including sick visits) will continue throughDecember 31, 2016.
3. Engagement in disease management is not required. Members can engage voluntarily.
4. Age/gender appropriate screenings are not required; however, members are encouraged to complete these voluntarily.
5. Those who did not complete the healthy activities in 2015 may complete them now in 2016 and begin enjoying the $0 PCP copays once they are completed.
6. The New “Healthy Activities” for 2016 are:
1. Select a PCP
2. Complete either the medical plan's health risk assessment OR theState health risk assessment
3. Have your Physician complete the Provider Notification Form

We want to sincerely thank our UMBC employees for their patience and feedback during the first year of this program. The changes outlined above are the result of your feedback and that of other State of Maryland employees and were adopted as positive incentives for people to use the resources offered by the plans in order to maintain, or improve, overall quality of life. If you have not yet taken advantage of the free copays, you still have time to do the activities outlined above.

If you need more information please visit the State of Maryland Wellness Program website to view the FAQ. If you have questions please contact Human Resources, 410-455-2337 or hrbenefits@umbc.edu.

Thank you!