NextSteps Health Coaching

Changing your health habits can be hard. However, losing weight or getting in shape may be easier for you when you have the support of a health coach. A coach, available in person or by telephone, can provide unbiased information to help you develop a personalized plan to change behavior. A coach can help you:

• explore what the Wellness Program has to offer
• set realistic fitness and nutrition goals
• design an action plan that is right for you

Who Is Eligible for Health Coaching

As a UPlan member, you and your UPlan-covered spouse/same-sex domestic partner are eligible to have a health coach who works with you by telephone. Through the Wellness Program an effort is being made to offer coaching to employees who are most likely to benefit from the confidential services of a specially-trained health coach.

Earn Wellness Points and a $65 Wellness Reward

New in 2012: In addition to a $65 wellness reward, as a UPlan member, when you complete the required number of over-the-phone coaching sessions no later than August 31, you can accumulate 150 points for your Wellness Points Bank. In 2013, wellness points be used to reduce the cost of your UPlan Medical Program premiums by $300 or $400. The 150 points will be awarded just one time in 2012 for participation in health coaching by phone.

You or your UPlan-covered spouse or same-sex domestic partner may also each be eligible for a $65 wellness reward. This is provided that you and/or your partner have not already earned a second $65 reward for the 2012 calendar year for completing another program such as an online Healthy Living program.

Already have a telephone-based health coach? Then, ask the professional during your next coaching session exactly what your status is for earning a 150 wellness points and $65 wellness reward for health improvement for the 2012 calendar year.

Starting with a Health Coach

As a UPlan member, you (or your spouse/same-sex domestic partner) have three ways to get started with a health coach.

• If the confidential results of the wellness assessment  indicate that you or your spouse/partner can benefit from a health improvement program, you will be invited online to enlist a health coach, or, a coach will call you.
• If an existing medical condition or disease is brought to the attention of coaches due to claims that you or your dependents submitted against your UPlan medical program coverage, you will be contacted by an enrollment specialist.
• If you want the advice and support of a health coach, beginning in January 2012, you can telephone the University's new provider of coaching services, StayWell Health Management. Call: 866-341-1170.

To ensure your privacy, the University has contracted with StayWell Health Management, an independent provider based outside of the University to deliver health coaching services by telephone six days a week.

If you want to opt out of Nextsteps health coaching, call the StayWell Helpline at 866-341-1170.

Learn More about Face-to-Face Health Coaching

Depending upon where you work and live, face-to-face coaching may also be available for you or your UPlan-covered spouse/partner. In-person health coaching services are offered on campus in Duluth, Morris, and in the Twin Cities.