What is Healthy U?
Healthy U is a wellness and prevention program that has been developed by PASSHE to help its employees achieve healthier lifestyles and become more engaged in all aspects of their health. The unions representing faculty, non-faculty coaches, police and security personnel, and the nurses were involved in the development of the program and in the selection of the vendor that will manage the program.
What vendor will assist PASSHE in administering Healthy U?
Highmark has been selected to assist PASSHE in providing wellness and prevention programs to its employees.
Who is eligible to participate in Healthy U?
Healthy U is available to covered managers, faculty, non-faculty coaches, police and security personnel, and nurses and their spouse/same-sex domestic partner who are enrolled in the State System of Higher Education Group Health Program’s PPO or Indemnity health plans.
When did Healthy U become available?
Healthy U became effective July 1, 2008.
Why should I participate in Healthy U?
Participation in Healthy U will entitle the employee to pay the lowest health plan contribution rates. This is an obviously considerable financial incentive for employees and spouse/same-sex domestic partner to participate in Healthy U. However, both management and union are hopeful that employees will be interested in participation in order to become more involved in improving their own health or maintaining their current good health into the future.
How do I ensure I will pay the lowest health plan contribution rate?
Participation in Healthy U by both the employee and covered spouse or same-sex domestic partner will entitle the employee to pay the lowest health plan contribution rates. If either the employee or the spouse or same-sex domestic partner does not meet the participation requirements, the employee will not be eligible for the lowest health plan contribution rates.
What is Lifestyle Returns?
Lifestyle Returns is the Highmark program purchased by PASSHE to promote a healthier lifestyle and assist its employees in becoming engaged in all aspects of their health. The program will help you understand your health status, get preventive exams, better manage your health conditions, make informed health care decisions and achieve real lifestyle changes. Over time, this may improve your quality of life and boost your morale, decrease absenteeism and even reduce your and PASSHE’s health care utilization costs.
How do I enter the Lifestyle Returns program?
To enter the member web site for the first time:
- Log on to www.highmarkblueshield.com.
- Select the "Members" tab.
- Select "Register Now", located in the orange box on the right.
- Complete the requested information and click on "Submit".
- Once you complete this step, you will be advised that you will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN is not required to complete the program requirements in Lifestyle Returns.
- Select "Continue" to proceed to Lifestyle Returns.
To enter Lifestyle Returns:
- Enter your User ID and password.
- Click the "Your Health" tab.
- Click "Lifestyle Returns".
Who do I call if I have problems logging in to the website?
You can call 877-298-3918 if you have any questions about Highmark’s website.
Do I need an e-mail account to participate?
Yes. If you do not have computer access at your worksite, please contact your university human resource office and they will arrange access for you. Also, free computer access is available at public libraries. If you do not have e-mail, you can obtain a free account through various online options.
Who do I call if I have questions about Lifestyle Returns?
You may call Highmark Member Services using the toll-free telephone number on the back of your Highmark ID card with any questions about Lifestyle Returns.
What is the Pledge?
Your participation in Healthy U begins with taking the Pledge in Highmark’s Lifestyle Returns program. You are asked to accept a Pledge to make an effort to lead a healthy lifestyle, partner with your physician and become an educated health care consumer. You agree to take the online Wellness Profile and take advantage of health education programs, tools, and materials made available to you as a Lifestyle Returns member.
Why accept the Lifestyle Returns Pledge?
The Pledge is a requirement of Healthy U and the first step of Lifestyle Returns. The Pledge is your personal commitment as a member of Lifestyle Returns. It indicates that you take responsibility for your health and lifestyle choices in order to enjoy a better quality of life and that you understand the program requirements.
Can I accept the Pledge at any time during the program period?
You should accept the Pledge early, since no other activities can be completed until after you have accepted the Pledge.
Does my spouse or same-sex domestic partner have to take the Pledge?
Yes, the Pledge is a requirement for both the employee and covered spouse/same-sex domestic partner.
Do I have to do the Steps in order?
You need to do the Pledge before you can do the Wellness Profile.
Can I still qualify for the lowest health plan contributions if I do not take the Pledge?
No, the Pledge is one of the requirements for Healthy U.
What is a Health Risk Assessment (HRA)?
The Health Risk Assessment or HRA is a tool used by you to analyze your current health status. Healthy U will use Highmark’s Wellness Profile as the Health Risk Assessment (HRA). The Wellness Profile covers all aspects of your health, including nutrition, weight management, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, injury prevention, skin protection, immunizations and health screenings.
How do I receive feedback from the Wellness Profile (HRA)?
Data you provide in the Wellness Profile is used to generate a confidential, personalized action plan, or Wellness Profile Report. This in-depth health status report can help you identify areas in need of health improvement and includes recommendations for online health and wellness programs and activities.
What is the purpose of completing the Wellness Profile (HRA)?
The Wellness Profile measures your current health status. It makes you aware of your health and wellness needs and lifestyle practices that determine your personal well-being. Emphasis is on the factors that can be controlled. Positive reinforcement of good health practices, along with recommendations for change when needed, is provided in your Wellness Profile Report.
How do I locate the Wellness Profile (HRA)?
The Wellness Profile may be found on Highmark's website, www.highmarkblueshield.com (See FAQs on Lifestyle Returns).
Do I have to take the Wellness Profile online?
You are strongly encouraged to complete the Wellness Profile online. A paper copy of the Wellness Profile may be obtained by contacting Highmark Member Services at the toll free number on the back of your card.
Does my covered spouse or same-sex domestic partner have to complete the Wellness Profile online?
Yes, if you have a spouse or same-sex domestic partner covered on the PASSHE benefit plan they also must complete a Wellness Profile in order to meet the Healthy U requirements for participation.
What information should I have to complete the Wellness Profile (HRA)?
Ideally, you should have the following information available when you complete the profile: height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol (with HDL and LDL), blood glucose level and triglycerides. If you do not have all of this information available, you still can complete the profile by leaving blank the specific areas where you do not have current information.
What is my site code?
At the end of the wellness profile, you will be asked to provide a six-digit site code based on your campus location. The site codes for each location are as follows:
| University |
Site Code |
|---|
| Bloomsburg University |
100705 |
| California University |
106713 |
| Cheyney University |
106715 |
| Clarion University |
100390 |
| East Stroudsburg University |
106716 |
| Edinboro University |
106711 |
| Indiana University |
106712 |
| Kutztown University |
106717 |
| Lock Haven University |
106710 |
| Mansfield University |
100785 |
| Millersville University |
100793 |
| Shippensburg University |
105417 |
| Slippery Rock University |
106714 |
| West Chester University |
100854 |
| Office of the Chancellor |
100836 |
Do I have to complete the Wellness Profile in one session?
No, your responses will be saved as you complete each page. However, any responses in an incomplete section will not be saved.
May I complete the Wellness Profile during work hours?
Yes, you have the option of completing the Wellness Profile at work or at home.
Can I take the wellness profile in Spanish?
If you are completing the Wellness Profile for the first time, you will be given the option to complete the profile in Spanish.
Will my employer view the health information I submit?
No. The information you enter is kept completely confidential and will not be shared with your employer. All personal health information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and may not be divulged without your permission. All reports provided to the employer contain aggregate data only, and contain no individual protected health information.
Am I required to enroll in programs that are recommended in my Wellness Profile results?
No, however the programs and activities that are recommended based on your Wellness Profile results are likely to be the most beneficial to you. You are not required to enroll in the recommended programs and may select from any of the offered programs.
While completing my Wellness Profile, I received a message on the screen indicating that the Highmark site has a session timeout of 30 minutes, and that I have been inactive for 25 minutes. It indicated that I have to click “OK” to continue otherwise, I should click “Cancel” to logout. Why is there this time limit?
If you click “OK” you will be able to continue with completing your Wellness Profile and then return back to the Highmark site. If you click “Cancel”, your information that you completed on the Wellness Profile will be saved, but you will have to log back on to the Highmark site to continue with the other activities in the Lifestyle Returns program. This time limit is to ensure that your health care data does not remain on your computer for anyone else to view in your absence.
Who is HealthMedia?
Highmark has contracted with this vendor to provide you with exciting on-line tools, programs and information designed to help you improve your health.
How do I enter a preventive Exam?
To receive credit for scheduling your exams, go to www.highmarkblueshield.com, log in with your user ID and password and click “Your Health.” Click “Lifestyle Returns,” then “Take Charge of Your Health,” and select “Preventive Exams” to enter the date of your preventive exam and then click the “Submit” button when complete. If you do not enter the date, you will not get credit for receiving a Preventive Exam. Dates of scheduled, future exams can be entered in advance of the exam date. Note that Highmark’s Lifestyle Returns program accepts one date for males, and up to three dates (including mammogram date), depending on your age, for females.
What is the recommended frequency of preventive exams?
Based upon gender and age, recommended preventive exams are as follows:
| Men: |
Age 19-39 |
40-49 |
50+ |
| Preventive/Physical Exam |
Every 2 years |
Every 2 years |
Annually |
| Women: |
Age 19-39 |
40-49 |
50+ |
| Preventive/Physical Exam |
Every 2 years |
Every 2 years |
Annually |
| Gynecological Exam |
Annually |
Annually |
Annually |
| Mammogram |
|
Every 1-2 yrs |
Every 1-2 yrs |
What exam dates will the lifestyle returns system accept?
For the 2011/12 Healthy U wellness program the system will accept the following dates:
Men: |
Age 19-39 |
Age 40-49 |
Age 50+ |
Preventive Physical Exam |
7/1/10 –6/30/12 |
7/1/10 - 6/30/12 |
7/1/11 – 6/30/12 |
Women: |
Age 19-39 |
Age 40-49 |
Age 50+ |
Preventive Physical Exam |
7/1/10 – 6/30/12 |
7/1/10 – 6/30/12 |
7/1/11 – 6/30/12 |
Gynecological Exam |
7/1/11 – 6/30/12 |
7/1/11 – 6/30/12 |
7/1/11 – 6/30/12 |
Mammogram |
N/A |
7/1/10 – 6/30/12 |
7/1/10 – 6/30/12 |
What preventive services are covered under my benefit plan?
PPO Plan: The PPO plan includes a full routine preventive schedule of benefits for adults. This schedule includes coverage for the routine physical exam itself, as well as various other tests and screenings that may be included with the exam. Please contact Highmark Member Services at 1-866-727-4935 to confirm your coverage for preventive services or you can access the Highmark Preventive Schedule at www.highmarkblueshield.com.
Please be aware that your physician may recommend tests and screenings that are not covered as part of your preventive schedule of benefits. You are responsible for verifying that tests and screenings will be covered (by contacting Highmark Member Services) and if they are not, you are responsible for paying for any services not covered.
Comprehensive Major Medical Indemnity Plan: The Comprehensive Major Medical Indemnity plan includes coverage for the routine physical exam only; it does NOT include coverage for other routine tests and screenings (e.g., cholesterol test, other blood work, etc.) that may be done in conjunction with the physical exam. Please contact Highmark Member Services at 1-866-727-4935 to confirm your coverage for preventive services.
Will the personal information that I supply to Highmark be kept confidential?
Yes, Highmark and their HRA partner, HealthMedia, fully comply with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Protected health information (PHI) is kept completely confidential and all web transactions occur on a secure site and secure link.
Will my employer view the health information I submit?
No. The information you enter is kept completely confidential and will not be shared with your employer. All personal health information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and may not be divulged without your permission. All reports provided to the employer contain aggregate data only, and contain no individual PHI.
What is Highmark Blue Shield's policy on privacy?
Your Highmark Blue Shield benefit book contains a section entitled "Notice of Privacy Practices", which provides a detailed description of Highmark's privacy policy.