The Know Your Numbers Plus wellness rewards program launches May 16 with a new design that makes it easier for employees to earn up to $500 credit toward the cost of their 2017 YNHHS medical premium – and be healthier at the same time! At YNHH, participation is also a 2016 PIP goal.

"Yale New Haven Health System employees provided valuable feedback that led to modifying this year's Know Your Numbers Plus program," said Kevin A. Myatt, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "The focus is on prevention, early detection and encouraging employees to get moving because experts tell us these are the most effective ways to improve health and well-being."

Benefits-eligible employees will receive a brochure at home during the week of May 9 with details about this year's program, including how to use the confidential RedBrick Health wellness portal to participate.

2016 program overview

A person's "numbers" – such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood glucose – tell a lot about his or her health and can identify a health risk requiring attention. Because knowing those numbers is so important, a basic health screening is the cornerstone of this year's program. Completion of the screening alone will earn a $350 credit.

Employees can complete their screening at a YNHHS on-site location, through their personal physician or at a participating Quest Diagnostics lab. As an extra incentive, employees who complete their screening at a YNHHS location early in the Know Your Numbers incentive period will be entered into drawings for prizes like an Apple watch, FitBit and Ninja blender. Watch for specific details.

On top of earning the $350 credit for a health screening, employees can earn up to $150 in additional credit by completing personal choice activities in one or more categories. Options include:

• Select preventive exams
• Health/wellness coaching by livingwell CARES
• Tracking physical activity
• Online health assessment

Be sure to read the Know Your Numbers Plus brochure to learn about each of these options, including the amount of credit that can be earned and the eligibility periods. Some activities can occur between Sept. 1, 2015 and Aug. 31, 2016. All Know Your Numbers Plus elements must be completed by Aug. 31, 2016.

More information

In addition to the home mailer, Know Your Numbers Plus information will be available on the Employee Self Service dashboard, the YNHHS HR section on the intranet, each delivery network's main intranet landing page, RedBrick Health portal, and from HRConnect (the YNHHS benefits service center). In addition, livingwell CARES wellness coaches will be at on-site screenings to answer questions and assist with the RedBrick Health portal.

"Employees who participate in Know Your Numbers routinely praise the program for serving as a catalyst to successfully address health risks and for rewarding healthy behaviors," Myatt said. "The program is a win-win. Employees enjoy improved health, save money on their 2017 medical premiums, and the health system has a healthier workforce to provide safe, extraordinary care to patients."