Ask HISD: Are there any rewards for maintaining a healthy weight?
Q: I read about the ‘4 for $40’ weight-loss challenge in last week’s edition of eNews and it got me wondering…are there any incentives available for people who are already maintaining an appropriate weight and exercise routine?
A: If you are already at a healthy weight, congratulations! You’re ahead of the game, as studies have shown that being overweight can lead to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, respiratory issues, and osteoarthritis.
HISD is committed to improving the health of its employees—and most people want to lose weight. Obesity is a national epidemic, and more than 75 percent of the employees who completed the district’s health risk assessment last year reported being overweight—meaning that they had a BMI 25 or higher—so we are providing them with an extra incentive to reach their goals.
HISD also provides the following incentives to all employees enrolled in an HISD medical plan:
- $125 for completing a health-risk assessment
- $150 for completing health-related activities
In addition, all benefits-eligible employees may use the HISD Health & Wellness Clinics at no cost, if they are covered under an HISD medical plan, and at a reduced cost if they are benefits eligible, but not enrolled in an HISD medical plan.
Another benefit provided by HISD medical plans is that preventative care is covered at 100%.
| Got a question for Ask HISD? Send it to us at AskHISD@houstonisd.org. |
When do employees get paid for taking the survey?
The health risk assessment and healthy activity incentives are paid each quarter. Incentives are added to employees’ paycheck the month following the end of the quarter. The first quarter of 2014 ended January 21, 2014, and will be paid out in February.