Health & Wellness
Healthy Choices FAQ
FAQ
- General Questions
- Eligibility
- Health Risk Assessment (HRA)
- Biometric Screen
- Active Management
- Confidentiality
- Monetary Reward
- Other
What is Healthy Choices?
Healthy Choices is a free, voluntary and confidential program that helps qualifying benefits-eligible faculty and staff learn helpful information about their health and then take steps to improve or maintain it.
View the program brochure for complete details and instructions
Why is the university offering Healthy Choices?
The university is deeply committed to creating and encouraging a culture of health among its faculty and staff community. The goal of programs like Healthy Choices is to encourage sustainable healthy lifestyles that help to prevent chronic disease and other health conditions, and manage rising health care costs.
Why should I participate in Healthy Choices?
By understanding your current health, knowing your numbers, and risk factors, you can take action to help minimize or prevent future health problems.
How long will it take to complete Healthy Choices?
The Health Risk Assessment (HRA) takes less than 20 minutes to complete and the on-site biometric screen takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
How much does it cost?
Taking the Health Risk Assessment, attending an on-site screening and tracking activities online are free.
Am I required to participate in Healthy Choices?
No, participation is voluntary.
What if I have questions?
For questions about program eligibility and incentive payment: Call Health and Wellness at 616-331-2215, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or visit the benefits page at www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness
For questions about the UMR Health Risk Assessment and telephonic coaching: Call UMR at 1-800-207-7680
For general Healthy Choices program questions: Visit www.gvsu.edu/healthwellness, email healthandwellness@gvsu.edu or call 616-331-2215, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Can I still participate in the Healthy Choices program if I am pregnant?
Yes, you can participate in Healthy Choices even if you are pregnant. You will be asked about pregnancy on the screening consent form.
Who can participate?
Qualifying benefits-eligible university faculty and staff can participate in Healthy Choices.
Please note: If at any time your benefit status changes (leave of absence, appointment change, etc.), your eligibility to participate and receive the monetary reward may change.
I am a benefits-eligible employee but I do not get my benefits through Grand Valley. Can I still participate in Healthy Choices?
If you are a qualifying benefits-eligible employee that meets the Healthy Choices eligibility requirements, you can participate in Healthy Choices. Please note: If at any time your benefit status changes (leave of absence, appointment change, etc.), your eligibility to participate and receive the monetary reward may change.
Can retirees participate in Healthy Choices?
At this time, retirees are not eligible to participate in this program.
Can part-time faculty and staff participate in Healthy Choices?
If benefit eligible, part-time faculty and staff can participate in Healthy Choices. Please note: If at any time your benefit status changes (leave of absence, appointment change, etc.), your eligibility to participate and receive the monetary reward may change.
Can temporary faculty and staff participate in Healthy Choices?
No, temporary faculty/staff are not eligible for Healthy Choices.
I have never participated in the Healthy Choices, can I participate in this year’s program?
Yes, if you are a qualifying benefits-eligible employee, you can participate in Healthy Choices even if you did not participate in the previous years.
Can my spouse/dependent/household member participate in Healthy Choices?
Spouses and members of the household member program may participate in the on site biometric screen offered by Wellness Inc at no cost. All other components and incentives of the Healthy Choices program is only available to qualifying benefits-eligible faculty and staff.
What is a Health Risk Assessment (HRA)?
A Health Risk Assessment is a health questionnaire, used to provide individuals with an evaluation of their health risks and quality of life.
How do I access the online Health Risk Assessment?
Go to UMR’s website to complete your online Health Risk Assessment between March 1 and September 30, 2013.
Member Instructions to the portal
Non Member Instructions to the portal
Issues with logging into the portal?
How long will it take to complete Health Risk Assessment?
The Health Risk Assessment takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
Do I need to accept a disclaimer or release to complete the Health Risk Assessment?
Yes, you will be asked to read and accept UMR’s privacy statement before taking the Health Risk Assessment.
How do I complete the Health Risk Assessment?
Answer as many health questionnaire questions as you can and click "Finish & View Results" at the end. If you do not click "Finish & View Results," your questionnaire is not considered complete.
Do I have to answer all the questions on the Health Risk Assessment for it to be considered complete?
Though you do not have to answer all of the questions on the health questionnaire, to get the most accurate personal health report, it is recommended that you answer as many as you can.
What if I don't complete the Health Risk Assessment or biometric screen?
To participate in Healthy Choices and be eligible to receive the monetary incentive, you must complete the Health Risk Assessment questionnaire (by clicking "Finish & View Results") available between March 1 and September 30, 2013. You must also complete the biometric screen prior to September 30, 2013.
I completed a Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen for Healthy Choices previously (2008, 2010, and/or 2011, 2012). Can I do another one?
Yes, we encourage all qualifying benefits-eligible faculty and staff to complete the Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen annually to see how their health changes from year to year. In order to participate in Healthy Choices, you must complete the annual Health Risk Assessment between March 1 and September 30, 2013
Members who completed the HRA in 2008, 2010 or 2011 will not see year over year comparisons as a different vendor was providing service during those years. Moving forward with Wellness Inc. Faculty and staff will be able to see comparisons.
Do I have to complete the Health Risk Assessment before I complete my biometric screen?
It is not required to complete the Health Risk Assessment before your biometric screen. Please note you will not qualify to receive the $100 incentive until your Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen are completed. Both the Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen must be completed by September 30, 2013.
What if I need assistance in completing the Health Risk Assessment?
You can request assistance in completing the online HRA by calling UMR Health and Wellness at 1-800-207-7680. For employees who may have a language barrier or support request in completing the health questionnaire, please contact Human Resources at 616-331-2215 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.to review options available.
What is a biometric screen?
A biometric screen is a confidential assessment that gives you the opportunity to learn about your personal health. It includes having your height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values checked. A biometric screen can be completed by attending an on-site screening or using values (height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol) from your health care provider.
Biometric screenings are being administered by Wellness Inc. a partner with UMR. A complete list of tests are listed here.
Please note the on-site wellness screenings are not meant to be a substitute for your normal physician visit, but rather are intended to raise awareness about your health. Wellness Inc’s health professionals will refer you to your physician if they feel you may need to follow-up on any results provided.
To learn about your biometric screening options, please visit the Healthy Choices webpage or call 616-331-2215.
How should I prepare for my on-site screening appointment?
Bring your UMR insurance card if you are a member. Fasting is required, however the screen can still be completed if there is not a fast. You can dress as you normally would for work. Please arrive on time and check in at the registration desk. Please note: if you arrive late for your appointment, we may not be able to accommodate your appointment time.
Can I schedule my biometric screening during my work day?
Because departments/units vary in their policies and staffing needs, please check with your manager or supervisor prior to making your appointment if it will occur during your scheduled work day.
Are there on-site screening appointments available in the evenings and on weekends?
Evening and weekend appointments are not offered at this time. On site screenings take place March 11-15 2013 a. Check here for a full schedule or to make an appointment
What if I miss my appointment or need to change it?
The best way to cancel or reschedule your on-site appointment is to call Wellness Inc at 1-866-935-5462
How will my cholesterol be checked at the on-site biometric screen?
All tests are performed via venipuncture blood draw.
Do I have to fast before my on-site biometric screen appointment?
Yes. However, testing can still be done without a fast if needed.
Do I have to participate in all parts of the on-site biometric screen?
No.You are encouraged to complete all parts of the screening, but if you are uncomfortable with any part of the screening, you may choose to opt out of that part of the process.
I recently went to my health care provider and had my height, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked, can I use those values?
Maybe. If you had your height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol tested between December 23, 2012 and December 31, 2013 you can have your provider complete the UMR verification form and fax it to UMR to qualify for your biometric screen component. To learn more click here.
I left my paperwork at the on-site wellness screening. What should I do?
If you left your pink participant consent form with your screening values on it, please call Wellness Inc at 1-866-935-5462.
How soon will I receive my results?
You will receive your results within 1-2 weeks. Results will be mailed to your home. At this time, an electronic copy option is not available.
What is the Active Management Component?
If a risk factor for a health condition or behavior is identified after completion of the biometric screen and online health risk assessment, faculty and staff members have the opportunity to follow up with a UMR health coach. The UMR coach determines with the faculty or staff member that they are successfully managing their health condition. Conversations with one’s own health care professional are encouraged in combination with the health coach and member. Faculty or staff who present no risk factors as recognized by UMR Health and Wellness and Wellness Inc. demonstrate active management because they present no risk factors effectively managing their health.
What is the definition of a risk factor?
A risk factor is defined by the World Health Organization as any attribute, characteristic or exposure of an individual that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or injury (1).
(1) Risk Factors. World Health Organization. Retrieved on 8.20.2012 from http://www.who.int/topics/risk_factors/en/
How will health risk factors be identified?
Health risk factors will be identified by participation in the online Health Risk Assessment through UMR AND a biometric screen through an on campus assessment offered by Wellness Inc.(a partner of UMR) or your own health care professional. All tests are electronically scored through Wellness Inc.’s proprietary Wellscore system. The Wellscore system was developed in 1996 by Wellness Inc.’s technical programming staff working alongside their Medical Director and other physician consultants and is regularly updated to reflect the most current medical guidelines. This scoring system helps participants pinpoint the tests they should pay the most attention to. Each test result includes a clear explanation of what the significance of the testing component is, the normal reference range for the participant’s age and gender, and the individual’s personal result.
What if multiple risks are identified?
If multiple conditions are identified, participants are only required to participate in a management program with a health coach for their primary condition to receive the reward. It is not required to complete sessions for each risk factor presented. The primary condition is determined by the faculty or staff member.
How will active management be tracked?
UMR will provide a list of members who successfully complete their health coaching sessions to GVSU as of December 31, 2013. Participants who present no risk factors will be automatically tracked by UMR’s system given the participant successfully completed the two Know Your Numbers requirements and a list of names will be provided to GVSU for the incentive eligibility.
What if I participated in the biometric screen using my own health care professional?
If a member completes the biometric screen through their own health care professional, the same risk stratification process will be used as a member who participates in the on campus screening through UMR’s system. Details on how to complete this component through your own health care professional are listed here.To be eligible for incentives, members who choose to utilize the health care professional option must turn in the completed verification form to UMR by September 30th 2013 at 5pm. No late forms will be accepted.
What if I am already managing my condition with my own health care professional?
If a member is already working with their own health care professional to manage a health risk they can submit the Physician Attestation Form to UMR to qualify for Active Management.
How many coaching sessions do I have to complete with a UMR Health Coach if I demonstrate a health risk?
There is no set number of coaching sessions for members to complete to demonstrate active management of a condition. Each member has different needs and goals in order to achieve successful maintenance. Successful active management is determined by the UMR health coach.
Are the UMR coaches qualified and certified to help me with my condition?
Yes. The UMR coaching staff holds credentials in dietetics, kinesiology, exercise science, respiratory therapy, health education, psychology, counseling, biology, and nursing. Coaches are multilingual in Spanish, English and French.
Is the Health Coaching service confidential?
Yes. Participation in the Health Coaching services offered through UMR is confidential and complies with HIPPA requirements. Grand Valley State University does not receive any personal information discussed in the coaching sessions. Content discussed is between you and your health coach.
What is the incentive for completing the Active Management component?
In addition to the benefit of managing one’s health condition, Faculty and staff can earn $100 into their Health Savings Account or paycheck for completing the Active Management component. To receive the monetary incentive for this component the biometric screen and online health risk assessment must also be completed by December 31, 2013.
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Who is administering the Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen for Healthy Choices?
To protect your privacy, Grand Valley State University has contracted with UMR Health and Wellness and Wellness Inc. a national provider of health improvement services, to administer the Health Risk Assessment, biometric screen, and health coaching.
What happens with the information I provide?
Information collected from Healthy Choices is treated as confidential. By agreeing to UMR and Wellness Inc’s privacy statement, you are allowing UMR and Wellness Inc to view your health questionnaire information and advise you on health improvement strategies. Data is not shared with the Grand Valley State University faculty or staff or external parties.
What happens to the results and health information from the Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen?
Information collected from Healthy Choices is treated as confidential. UMR will use the health information that you provide to advise you on health improvement strategies. UMR treats your results as confidential. Completion information will be used to process your incentive. Only aggregate (group) de-identified data is used to help the university better understand the collective health of our faculty and staff and to assist with planning future programs that address the needs of our community. Please be assured that the confidentiality of your personal health information is protected.
What if I don't agree with the UMR privacy statement?
You will need to agree to the privacy statement in order to participate in Healthy Choices.
Will I be penalized if I don't participate?
No, participation is voluntary. However, the $100 (up to $300) incentive is only available to those who complete the Health Risk Assessment, biometric screen and health coaching by December 31, 2013.
Will the results of my Health Risk Assessment biometric screen affect my insurance coverage or benefits?
No, your personal health information is protected. Your results will not affect your insurance coverage or benefits nor will they be disclosed to your insurance company or your employer without your permission.
Will any of the information obtained through my Health Risk Assessment or biometric screen be shared with my manager?
No, the confidentiality of your personal health information is protected. Your personally identifiable health data will not be shared with your manager, nor will it be added to any GVSU faculty or staff files.
Is there an incentive for participating?
Yes, qualifying benefits-eligible faculty and staff who complete the Health Risk Assessment and biometric screen by December 31, 2013 earn a $100 incentive in their Health Savings Account in the first quarter of 2014. Members who are not enrolled in the High Deductible Plan will receive the incentive in their paycheck.
Participants have the opportunity to receive an additional $100 reward for completing healthy activities and active management. View full details here.
Why is Grand Valley giving employees monetary incentives for participation in Healthy Choices?
Research has shown that financial incentives and a supportive workplace are effective ways to achieve high levels of participation. Research has also shown that high participation in wellness programs achieved through the use of incentives also generates cost savings for the organization and its employees. Given these tough economic times, and since the university has been seeing steady increases in health care costs for the last decade, Grand Valley has made a long-term commitment to the health and well-being of its faculty and staff to first improve their health, but also to save on health care costs.
How will I receive my incentive?
Incentives will be administered in the first quarter of 2014. If you are enrolled in the High Deductible Health plan and have a Health Savings Account, your incentive will be deposited pre-tax into your Health Savings Account. If you have yet to open your account are eligible to do so, you will need to open the Health Savings Account through United Bank in order to receive your incentive.
Faculty and staff who are not enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan with the Health Savings Account will receive their incentive directly in their paycheck and it will be taxed.
An instance may be possible where faculty and staff enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan are not eligible to open a Health Savings Account (for various legal or medical reasons). Human Resources will work with those individuals on a case by case basis to distribute the incentive.
When will I receive my monetary reward?
Your before-tax reward payment will occur within the first quarter 2014
What if I don't want to receive the monetary reward?
If you do not want to receive the reward please contact the Health and Wellness office at 616-331-2215.
Where can I go if I don't have easy access to a computer?
All campuses offer computing sites for general use: http://www.gvsu.edu/it/locations-and-computer-types-11.htm
If you require additional assistance, please contact Health and Wellness at 616-331-2215 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
I already see my health care provider? Why should I participate?
This program is focused on prevention; it provides educational materials, referrals, and personal support with proven results. The materials and follow-up programs will help you reduce health risk factors and/or better manage certain chronic health conditions in partnership with your personal health care provider. The information is tailored to each individual's personal needs. Participants are encouraged to share their report with their health care provider.
Page last modified April 17, 2013
