Approximately 53,000 state employees and new retirees (including many 1199 members) are enrolled in the Health Enhancement Program (HEP) — a program that provides financial incentives, including reduced premium share and waived deductibles, to promote employees and dependents obtaining regular age-appropriate screenings.

State Controller Kevin Lembo recently announced that 99 percent of HEP participants are participating in these preventive screenings.  Union members are doing our part – helping to save lives and dollars.  From Lembo’s office:

HEP is a new program designed to reduce emergency room visits and complications associated with chronic conditions (such as diabetes and heart disease) by emphasizing preventative care. The program was established through an agreement between Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration and the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition.

“This Health Enhancement Program compliance blew away all expectations — and should be a strong signal about the potential long-term financial and health benefits to the state,” Lembo said. “My office is already seeing preliminary signs that HEP may be helping to drive down unnecessary emergency room visits and other costly acute care.

“While the rest of the country is experiencing health care cost increases of more than 8 percent — twice the general rate of inflation — Connecticut, as an employer, will see no increase this year. This is not a coincidence — but a direct result of health care innovations, including the Health Enhancement Program, that are moving the cost needle on health care.”