The Benefit Board voted unanimously on Dec. 13 to end the monthly tobacco-use deduction for PEBB members who quit using tobacco in 2012.

 

This is a change from earlier policy that would have taken the deduction through the entire year.

 

The decision followed member input that ending the deduction for people who quit will reward them for making the healthy choice.

 

PEBB will have a process in place Jan. 1 for members who quit using tobacco to update their status and end the deduction.

 

If you're interested in help to quit, click here to access the Quit4Life Tobacco Cessation Program. Quit4Life offers one-on-one support and resources for quitting tobacco and is fully covered in PEBB health plans.

To correct enrollment errors before coverage goes into effect, your agency payroll or university benefits office has to receive your correction form no later than Dec. 31.

 

Click here to download the correction form.

 

Deductions can’t be refunded after coverage goes into effect Jan. 1. This federal requirement ensures that health plans can’t take back coverage after the premium has been paid.

 

Carefully review your benefit summary for errors now. If you didn't print your summary when you enrolled, you can review and print it by logging into your record. Click here to log in.

 

Benefit summaries are also being mailed to PEBB members' contact addresses beginning this week.

 

State agency employees may spot an error when they receive their first paystub of the year (see this articles ), and university employees may see one with their first earnings statement. They can submit a correction form within 30 days. For agency employees, that's Jan. 31. For university employees, it's Feb. 28.

 

If you have questions about making corrections, contact your agency payroll or university benefits office. Click here for contact information.

Agency employees should carefully review the first pay stub you receive in 2012. The name and address shown will be used to distribute your W-2. Correct any errors with your HR office.

 

Benefit deductions (as shown in the key below) continue throughout the year. Make corrections or allowed changes by submitting the appropriate form to your agency payroll.

 

Click here to download forms.

 

It has information on the Health Engagement Model (HEM) program as well as resources on wellness in the workplace.

 

The site is in the formative stage, and suggestions from PEBB members are welcome. Please send input to hem.pebb@state.or.us with the subject heading wellness website.