Frequently Asked Questions: Verification Testing for the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative

  1. How will the Plan verify tobacco use and BMI?
  2. Who will be tested for tobacco use?
  3. Will members be made aware of testing for tobacco use ahead of time?
  4. Will the Plan only be testing for tobacco? What confirmation or assurances will members have that other tests will not be conducted?
  5. What happens if a member chooses not to participate in verification testing?

1.) How will the Plan verify tobacco use and BMI?
A third party vendor, not yet selected by the Plan, will conduct the tobacco use validation tests on a sample of members who are enrolled in the 80/20 plan. Tobacco use will be verified using a saliva test that is non-invasive, accurate and provides the results at the time of testing.

The process around BMI verification has not been determined at this time.

2.) Who will be tested for tobacco use?
Initially, active employees will be selected for testing. However, the Plan reserves the right to test any non-Medicare primary Plan member who is eligible for the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative and enrolled in the 80/20 plan.

3.) Will members be made aware of testing for tobacco use ahead of time?
The Plan has not yet determined the details of the testing process for tobacco use. Once a testing vendor has been confirmed – and prior to annual enrollment in spring 2010 -- additional information will be provided regarding the testing process.

4.) Will the Plan only be testing for tobacco? What confirmation or assurances will members have that other tests will not be conducted?
The Plan will arrange for verification testing to address tobacco use during the first year of the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative. Members will not be tested for substances other than cotinine, a derivation of nicotine in the body. The testing vendor will adhere to all state and federal laws around testing, privacy and confidentiality.

5.) What happens if a member chooses not to participate in verification testing?
Members who are offered the verification testing, and refuse to take the tobacco verification test, will be moved to the 70/30 plan for the remainder of the benefit year. They will also be subject to additional consequences.

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