In 2006, the Pension Boards completed its first full year of wellness programs designed to encourage healthy habits for active and retired enrollees in the UCC Medical Benefits Plans.

Medical benefits coverage provides preventive services such as routine physicals, mammogram screening, prostate screening and well baby care. Coverage for immunizations for human papillomavirus (HPV) for females age 19Ð26 is effective January 1, 2007.

Web-Based Resources

Participants in the UCC Medical Benefits Plan (formerly the UCC Health Benefits Plan) are provided with access to Healthy Stewards (www.UCCHealthyStewards.org) for wellness resources and programs. Three incentive programs were offered to Plan participants during 2006. In the first year of the program, more than 760 participants received a $100 check for completing an online wellness assessment, while more than 60 participants received a $100 incentive for achieving a total of 20 wellness credits in the first year of the program.

Disease Management

The UCC Medical Benefits Plan includes disease management programs, managed by Healthways, for individuals with cardiac and diabetes disease states. Individuals with these diseases receive support from specially trained nurses for the health care services they need.

Alternative Health Services

All UCC Medical Plan enrollees have access to the American WholeHealth Network, a resource offered through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The network includes 35,000 practitioners nationwide and offers discounts of up to 30 percent on complementary and alternative health products and services, including fitness centers and spas, mind/body therapies, nutrition counseling, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga and holistic practitioners.

All wellness programs are evaluated on an ongoing basis to increase participation and value for Plan enrollees.