Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Living Well Wellness Program?

The Living Well Program is designed to encourage City of Hamilton employees and their covered spouses/dependents to take proactive steps towards managing their health. By completing a few simple health activities, participants can earn a significant financial incentive, which also helps the City keep healthcare costs down and enhance our overall benefits package.

What is the incentive for participating?

• $1,000 for employees participating individually.

• $2,000 for employees with a covered spouse or family who participate.

What are the requirements to earn the incentive?

There are four main requirements:

1. Complete an Annual Preventive Physical: Visit your Primary Care Physician between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.

2. Complete a Biometric Screening or Lab Test Blood Draw: This must also occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.

3. Complete the Health Risk Assessment: This is an online requirement for the employee only (not covered spouses).

1. Submit All Forms: Ensure all completed forms, including your Exam Reporting Form (signed by you and your provider), are returned to Kettering Health.

What is the deadline to complete the program requirements?

All requirements must be completed by August 31, 2025.

Why is the City offering this program?

Our goal is to foster a healthier workforce and to help manage the rising costs of healthcare. When more employees and their covered family members engage in preventative health, it leads to a healthier overall population, which in turn helps us keep our health insurance premiums stable and allows us to offer even better benefits in the future. It's a collective effort that benefits everyone.

Privacy & Data Security

Is my personal health information private? Who sees my data?

Absolutely. Your individual health data is strictly confidential and protected. The City of Hamilton will NEVER see your individual health information or results. All data shared with the City is aggregated and anonymized, meaning it's combined with other participants' data and cannot be traced back to any single individual. This aggregated data is used only for overall program evaluation and to ensure the program's effectiveness in managing group health trends.

How is my health data used, if not individually?

The aggregated, anonymous data helps us understand general health trends within our covered population (e.g., the overall percentage of participants with healthy cholesterol levels). This allows us to tailor future wellness initiatives and continue to manage our healthcare plan effectively, without ever identifying specific individuals.

Is the program compliant with privacy laws like HIPAA?

Yes, the program is designed to comply with applicable federal and state privacy regulations, including HIPAA. Our third-party partners who handle your health data are also bound by strict confidentiality agreements and data security protocols.

Participation Logistics

Do I need to use a specific doctor or lab for my Primary Care Provider (PCP) visit and biometrics?

No. You can use your own primary care provider and any lab covered by your health insurance plan. Please refer to your health plan documents for in-network providers and lab locations.

How do I prove I've completed the requirements?

Specific instructions on how to submit proof of completion are provided in the Living Well Program Packet. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your participation is recorded.

What if my spouse or covered dependent also wants to participate?

We strongly encourage spouses and covered dependents to participate! If they complete the same three requirements (PCP visit, biometrics/bloodwork, and survey), your household is eligible for the $2,000 incentive. Make sure they follow the same submission process as employees.

I'm young and healthy. Why should I participate?

That's fantastic that you feel healthy! This program is still for you, and here's why:

• It’s Money! Seriously, earning $1,000 (or $2,000) for a quick check-up and survey is an incredible financial benefit for minimal effort. Think of it as the City paying you to get a baseline on your health.

• Proactive Health: Even when you're young, understanding your baseline health is smart. It helps you proactively maintain your well-being and catch potential issues early.

• Collective Benefit: Your participation, regardless of your current health status, contributes to the overall health of our employee group. This helps keep our healthcare costs manageable for everyone, which ultimately benefits your future premiums and benefits too!

• It's Quick & Easy: We're talking less than an hour to complete all four steps for a thousand dollars. It's truly a no-brainer.

What if I already had a PCP visit and/or biometrics done recently?

Check the program details in the Living Well Program Packet for the specific timeframe that visits/tests must fall within to qualify. If your recent appointments meet the criteria, you may already be well on your way!

What if I don't have a Primary Care Provider?

Now is a great time to establish one! Your health insurance plan provides resources to help you find in-network PCPs. Visit www.myuhc.com or call the number on your insurance card for assistance.

What if I have a chronic condition? Will my participation cost me more or penalize me?

Absolutely not. The Living Well program is designed to support your health journey, regardless of your current health status. There are no penalties for health conditions. The goal is simply to encourage engagement with your healthcare provider and understanding of your health. Your individual results are confidential, as outlined above.

Still Have Questions?

For any further inquiries or assistance, please contact:

Rebekah Cremeans - 513-785-7031
rebekah.cremeans@hamilton-oh.gov

Sol Otero-Carbajal - 513-785-7351
sol.otero-carbajal@hamilton-oh.gov

Thank you for your participation in the Living Well Wellness Program – together, we can build a healthier City of Hamilton!