Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund Members ''Get Healthy''.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF), which administers health care benefits for eligible Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees, retirees, and their dependents, is introducing "Get Healthy," a new initiative to help its active members live healthier lives. The Get Healthy program will offer a range of health management programs to help members improve or maintain their health and prevent disease before it happens.

"The primary goal of Get Healthy is to give our members as many resources as possible so they can live healthier and longer lives," said David Fillman, Chairman. "The PEBTF Union Trustees recognize that any attempt to slow down health care costs cannot occur without actively engaging the members who are covered by the plan. We feel Get Healthy will do just that."

The PEBTF's Get Healthy program focuses on prevention and health management. Get Healthy will help members identify their health profile and give them the tools, resources, and action plans to manage and improve their health. All active members and spouses enrolled in any PEBTF medical plan on April 1, 2005, including COBRA participants and those enrolled in supplemental benefits only, are eligible to participate in the Get Healthy program.

Key components of the Get Healthy program include:

--Health Risk Assessment (HRA)--a completely confidential questionnaire and follow-up report designed to: identify members with at-risk conditions and potential candidates for health management; offer suggestions for positive behavior changes, if needed; and provide education and support to help members and their families take charge of their health.

--Expanded Health Management Program--a total health management program designed to maintain the health of PEBTF members and their families with chronic or at-risk conditions through confidential outreach and health coaching. The PEBTF will also provide incentives for healthy members to participate in designated wellness programs to sustain current health and fitness.

--Weight Management--a weight management program that provides sound guidance and proven strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

"The journey to better health can require significant behavioral changes and doesn't just happen overnight," said Michael J. Masch, Secretary of Budget and Administration. "To be successful, employees and their families need encouragement and assistance along the way so they can maintain healthy habits, and not get discouraged and give up as they pursue their goals for healthier living. The Get Healthy program seeks to provide our employees and their families with the tools and the support they need to succeed in getting healthy and staying healthy."

Participation in the HRA, Health Management, and Weight Management programs is voluntary. A "Healthy Incentive" in the form of reduced employee contributions will be provided to encourage participation.

The Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF), established in 1988, administers health care benefits to approximately 84,000 eligible Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees and their dependents and 62,000 retirees and their dependents. A Board of Trustees composed of both Union and Commonwealth representatives governs the PEBTF.