SALEM, Ore. (AP) — An advisory committee recommends that Oregon stop penalizing state workers who refuse to participate in a new wellness program.
State employees who don’t enroll in the Health Engagement Model must pay a surcharge of at least $25 a month. The surcharge was intended to encourage participation in the program to promote healthy behavior and reduce insurance costs.
A joint labor-management committee said Tuesday the surcharge should be dropped this year to give the state time to reconsider the punitive approach.
The Statesman Journal reports (http://is.gd/9UOSqb) the recommendation goes to the Public Employees’ Benefit Board, which meets Tuesday.
