Benefits January 28, 2008

Kellogg's Workers "Earn" Health Coverage Deduction

January 28, 2008 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Employees of Kellogg's of Battle Creek willing to declare themselves as non-smokers are eligible for a $180 cut in health-care premiums as part of a new wellness program.
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A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) news report said those workers willing to participate in a health screening or health-risk assessment can enjoy a similar $180 premium discount. Kellogg’s spokesperson Kristin Charles explained that the plan changes are “focused on employee productivity, controlling health care costs, and … creating a culture of health.”

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According to the news report, Charles described three possible online smoke-free declarations as:

  • I have been tobacco-free for a minimum of the last six months;
  • I have quit smoking, but I have not been tobacco-free for the minimum of six months. I have contacted [a third-party coaching organization whose information Kellogg provides] and will remain in contact with them until I meet the six-month requirement; or
  • I wish to stop using tobacco and have contacted [a third-party organization whose information Kellogg provides], and will participate in a smoking cessation program. I agree to remain in contact with my [third-party organization] coach for a minimum of six months.

“It’s basically an honor system,” admitted Charles, “but we will be doing some compliance auditing to check to see if people have registered with our health coaching partner, and that they are fulfilling the requirements,” which is simply participation with the health coach.

Kellogg’s offers on-site health screenings at 30 locations for employees and five locations for retirees. During the screenings, participants self-report lifestyle information and weight, while also participating in a variety of biometrics to check waist circumference, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides, and BMI.

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