1. No category

April 15, 2015
TO:
Amy Parsons, Vice President of University Operations
Diana Prieto, Executive Director, Chief Human Resource Officer
FROM: APC & CPC Volunteer Administrative Leave Committee
Joanna Holliday, Chair, APC representative
Kelly Kimple, APC representative
Kristine Bennett, APC representative
Debra DeVilbiss, CPC representative
Sheela Backen, CPC representative
SUBJECT: Colorado State University Volunteer Administrative Leave Benefit Recommendation
We are pleased to submit for your consideration our findings and recommendation to create a Colorado
State University Volunteer Administrative Leave benefit. After review of the current “Volunteers in
Public Schools” (VIPS) programs, our committee is proposing development of a new, separate Volunteer
Administrative Leave benefit that would be larger in both scope and scale. Currently the VIPS model
only applies to public K-12 schools. An additional Volunteer Service Administrative Leave benefit would
afford both Administrative Professional and State Classified employees the opportunity to volunteer (a) in
schools that are not in a public school district and (b) volunteer for non-profits. Both activities would
help contribute broadly to the “good of the state” as described in the State Personnel Board rule 5-15
“Other Employer Provided Leaves” referenced at the end of this recommendation. This recommendation
has the endorsement of the 2014-15 Administrative Professional Council (APC) Executive Committee
and Classified Personnel Council (CPC). It also has been submitted to the University Benefits Committee
(UBC) for their consideration.
Background: The recommendation for expanding volunteering leave benefits originated from shared
ideas and similar initiatives in the APC and CPC. In the CPC, the Work-Life Committee’s mission is to
research, review, evaluate and recommend initiatives to improve the work life of employees. A few
examples of successful projects initiated by the CPC include; increasing the tuition benefit from 6 to 9
hours; the now university-wide annual Employee Appreciation Trial Garden event; and, in 2009, working
with Vice President of Diversity Mary Ontiveros, free preparation classes for any employee wishing to
pursue a GED. Currently, this committee is also researching ways to record PDI sessions for those unable
to attend and exploring the feasibility of using Meetup.com as a way to promote cross-functional bonding
opportunities for all employees. Expanding the VIPS model to include other volunteer opportunities is
viewed as a way to improve employees’ work lives and is very much in alignment with this committee’s
work. The benefits are elaborated upon further in this document.
Under the APC, the Employment Committee proposes new or revised policies and procedures that apply
to APs in the Academic Faculty and Administrative Professional Manual. The committee also helps the
APC to identify and endorse work/life initiatives that positively impact APs. This committee has been
working on several initiatives, including a Child-Care initiative, for the past year and a half. The ChildCare Initiative has more recently expanded to further examination of employees in caregiver roles. This
role may, in fact, encompass several different audiences including; spouse or partner; family members at
1
different stages of the life cycle; or animals. Our committee identified that one way our CSU employees
formally engage in caregiving is exemplified by our “Volunteer in Public Schools” (VIPS) program, see
http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/timeoff-vips.html .
Because our Councils have a mutual interest in volunteerism as well as a practice of shared governance,
we formed a subcommittee of members from both Councils for this collaborative effort. As
communicated via our respective Executive Committees, we have provided Peer comparison data per
CHRO Diana Prieto’s request. However, we have also expanded information to include additional,
supporting data such as:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Peer & Other Comparison Matrix
Informal VIPS Survey
Faculty and Staff Volunteer Opportunities
State of Colorado Volunteering Initiative
Other examples of volunteer needs and opportunities
Positive impacts for employees and state
Summary Recommendation with copy of State Personnel Board Rule 5-15 “Other Employer
Provided Leave”
Please see elaboration on these points below, as well as a summary recommendation (appendices
attached).
1) Peer & Other Comparison Matrix
As shown in our comparison matrix (Appendix #1), of our peer institutions as identified by CSU
Institutional Research (http://www.ir.colostate.edu/peer-institutions.aspx), North Carolina State and
Virginia Tech each have a volunteer benefit. We also included CU’s volunteer benefit as well as
University of Texas – Dallas service award to add a different perspective. Note CSU’s VIPS program
affords the most potential volunteer hours; however it has the most restricted definition of type of
organization eligible to be served.
2) Informal VIPS Survey
In an attempt to further gauge usage and knowledge of VIPS, as well as possible expansion interest, we
developed a brief survey utilizing the Survey Monkey Tool. We requested that current CPC members and
APC members and their alternates respond. Please see our survey results in Appendix #2. Note the
positive indicators to expand the overall number of hours allowable plus hours to include travel time, as
well as interest in broadening opportunities/ audiences served beyond the public school, K-12 students. It
is relevant to note the primary way people learn about VIPS is through their co-workers, which
demonstrates an interest in promoting the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.
3) Faculty and Staff Volunteer Opportunities
Our initial discussion in the APC Employment Committee revolved around the possibility of expanding
VIPS to include Pre-K and private schools. In ongoing discussions with our Council members and our
constituents, further interests and needs were identified such as service to a variety of organizations like
those affiliated with Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC) and United Way of Larimer County as well as
Community Emergency Response Team Training (http://www.fema.gov/community-emergency2
response-teams/about-community-emergency-response-team. We also discovered CSU SLICE
administers an online repository of “Volunteer Opportunities and Requests” that employees may view to
further self-identify opportunities. Read more here: http://www.slice.colostate.edu/general-volunteerinformation.aspx. Overall it appears there are several existing venues for an individual to self-identify
volunteer opportunities and to make the connection on his/her own.
4) State of Colorado Volunteering website
The State of Colorado has “Serve Colorado”, the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, which
strives to build a culture of civic engagement across Colorado by working in partnership with a vast array
of community based organizations. As the state agency of the national AmeriCorps program, Serve
Colorado provides staffing and funding for 15 community based programs including environmental
stewardship, academic tutoring, youth mentoring, economic opportunity, and other initiatives designed to
help communities thrive. Additionally, Serve Colorado directly oversees the Colorado Reads and One
Book 4 Colorado literacy initiatives, and promotes volunteerism through four Days of Service held
annually. In addition to administering the AmeriCorps State program portfolio, Serve Colorado works to
promote and expand volunteerism through a number of initiatives, including national and local days of
service. By creating a formal Volunteer Program, CSU would align itself directly to the State’s Volunteer
initiatives. Read more about this and other volunteer affiliations with the State here:
http://www.colorado.gov/work/employment/volunteering.html.
5) Other examples of volunteer needs and opportunities
CSU already demonstrates a spirit of volunteerism that is, in fact, critical to conducting university
business. Examples include service on our employee governing bodies such as Faculty Council,
Administrative Professional Council, and Classified Personnel Council. A variety of other efforts that
positively impact community members and the state are also staffed with volunteers such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Childcare Taskforce
President’s Sustainability Committee: http://www.green.colostate.edu/committee.aspx
Cinco Cinco 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run: http://cincocinco.colostate.edu/
School is Cool: http://schooliscool.colostate.edu/
SLiCE: http://www.slice.colostate.edu/general-volunteer-information.aspx
ALVS – Ram Kidz Village: http://www.alvs.colostate.edu/ram-kidz-village
Master Gardner Volunteer: http://www.cmg.colostate.edu/volunteering.shtml
Office of International Programs Resource list: http://isss.colostate.edu/volunteeropportunities/
Extension, 4-H: http://www.colorado4h.org/volunteer-resources.php
CSUnity: Alumni Day of Service:
http://alumni.colostate.edu/DayofService/tabid/104/Default.aspx
The occurrence of volunteerism and spirit of service across the university is extensive.
6) Positive impacts for employees and state
3
As a public institution that receives state tax-payer dollars, CSU would also realize a “return on
investment” in our human resources capital. Employees who participate in company-sponsored volunteer
programs have been shown to have: lower rates of absenteeism, lower turnover, higher productivity
levels, higher levels of employee satisfaction, better team-building skills, and increased referrals for job
openings. Read: https://web-b-ebscohostcom.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=85a4e33d-df4f-4013-ad301cc332351a4f%40sessionmgr111&hid=101
Additional positive impacts that may be garnered through volunteer experiences include, but are not
limited to:
•
•
•
•
Overall health and wellness such as; Decreased stress, enhanced work-life balance, and
meaningful contributions
Finding balance in caregiver roles (for both men and women)
Enhancing professional development/leadership skills development
Role-modeling for students and others
There are a number of studies and empirical research demonstrating the above positive impacts. We’d be
happy to provide extra citations if requested. Examples may be found on the following sites:
http://www.worklifepolicy.org/index.php
http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/leading_in_the_21st_century/centered_leadership_how_talented_wo
men_thrive
http://www.forbes.com/2007/03/19/work-life-health-lead-careers-worklife07-cz_sr_0319ridge.html
http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2007/06222007altruist.htm
It is also important to recognize that our “CSU community” is not necessarily defined by our physical
Fort Collins campus location alone. CSU employees who are not physically located on the main campus
would also be able to volunteer in their respective communities. Developing rapport and ongoing
relationships with surrounding communities also helps us build social capital, both internal and external
to CSU.
An extra advantage of demonstrating a philosophy of volunteerism for the good of the state is the tie-in
with CSU’s land-grant mission. As the only land-grant institution in the State of Colorado, our civic
engagement in education and outreach efforts directly compliments the university’s overall purpose.
A supportive fact is that, according to the Corporation for National & Community Service (NCOC),
Colorado ranks 14 out of 50 states for volunteering, with 31.8% of residents volunteering (NCOC, 2013).
Clearly volunteerism is important to “Coloradoans” which makes it in the University’s best interest to
encourage and enable employees to volunteer. Source: NCOC (2013).
http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/CO
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
4
In closing, we hope you’ve found this information helpful in your consideration of this recommendation
and see both the need and potential for positive impact. As previously noted, we have also taken in to
consideration the State Personnel Board Rule 5-15 section “Other Employer-Provided Leaves” cited
below:
5-15. Administrative leave may be used to grant paid time when the appointing authority wishes to
release employees from their official duties for the good of the state. In determining what is for the good
of the state, an appointing authority must consider prudent use of taxpayer and personal services dollars
and the business needs of the department. Activities performed in an official employment capacity,
including job-related training and meetings, voluntary training, conferences, participation in hearings or
settlement conferences at the direction of the Board or Director, and job-related testimony in court or
official government hearings required by an appointing authority or subpoena are work time and not
administrative leave. Administrative leave is not intended to be a substitute for corrective or disciplinary
action or other benefits and leave. (5/1/10)
A.
Administrative leave that exceeds 20 consecutive working days must be reported to the
department head and the Director.
B.
An appointing authority may grant administrative leave up to five days for local or 15 days for
national emergencies per fiscal year to employees who are certified disaster service volunteers of the
American Red Cross.
C.
If a department head adopts a policy granting one period of administrative leave for the initial call
up to active military service in the war against terrorism, it shall not exceed 90 days and applies after
exhaustion of paid military leave. It is only used to make up the difference between the employee’s base
salary (excluding premiums) and total gross military pay and allowances. The employee must furnish
proof of military pay and allowances. This leave does not apply to regular military obligations such as
the annual encampment and training.
D.
A department shall adopt a policy to address whether or not to grant administrative leave for
employee participation in community or school volunteer activities.
In light of the information contained in this recommendation, our joint committee is recommending the
following for your consideration:
Creation of a new Volunteer Administrative Leave/Other Employer Provided Leave benefit for all
benefits-eligible CSU Administrative Professional and State Classified employees with the following
suggested parameters:
•
•
•
•
Up to 96 hours/academic year (or an average of eight (8) hours/month for volunteer employee
participation in community or school volunteer activities (pro-rated by appointment) with preapproval of volunteer leave required by supervisor.
Use it or lose it (does not accrue year-to-year).
Include community or schools as eligible entities as allowable by law (For example: non-profit
entities as well as schools that do not currently meet the current VIPS definition).
Covered hours may include travel.
5
Please feel free to contact our committee with further questions or comments. Joanna Holliday is chair at
(970) 491-7691 or [email protected]. We hope to hear from you before the end of the
semester.
6
VIPS Survey - Admin. Professional Council (APC) &
Classified Personnel Council (CPC)
1. Do you know what the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program is? Find out more at
CSU HR: http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benfits/timeoff-vips.html or (970) 491-MYHR. A "no"
answer will automatically skip to Question #3.
Response
Response
Percent
Count
Yes
87.2%
41
No
12.8%
6
answered question
47
skipped question
1
Response
Response
Percent
Count
2. How did you first find out about VIPS leave? (Check one)
My supervisor
12.1%
4
My co-worker
39.4%
13
My employee
15.2%
5
My dependent/dependent's school
0.0%
0
33.3%
11
6.1%
2
Information provided by Human
Resources
CSU social media sites
Other, please describe (type below)
1 of 9
10
answered question
33
skipped question
15
3. What is your employee classification?
Response
Response
Percent
Count
State Classified
46.8%
22
Administrative Professional
51.1%
24
Faculty (tenure/tenure-track)
2.1%
1
Faculty (special or temporary)
0.0%
0
Postdoctoral Fellow
0.0%
0
Other please describe (type below)
0
answered question
47
skipped question
1
Response
Response
Percent
Count
4. I work...(check one)
Full-time, 100% or 40 hrs./week
Part-time, 50% or 20 hrs./week or
greater
Part-time, less than 50% or 20
hrs./week
2 of 9
100.0%
47
2.1%
1
0.0%
0
answered question
47
skipped question
1
5. Do you currently have a dependent attending public school?
Response
Response
Percent
Count
Yes
42.6%
20
No
57.4%
27
answered question
47
skipped question
1
Response
Response
Percent
Count
6. Have you previously had a dependent attending public school?
Yes
69.6%
32
No
30.4%
14
answered question
46
skipped question
2
Response
Response
Percent
Count
7. Do you currently use VIPS leave?
Yes
14.9%
7
No
85.1%
40
answered question
47
skipped question
1
3 of 9
8. Have you used VIPS leave in the past?
Response
Response
Percent
Count
Yes
27.3%
12
No
72.7%
32
answered question
44
skipped question
4
9. I record(ed) VIPS leave with my unit/dept. in the following way(s): (check all that apply)
VIPS authorization form
Time clock/time sheet recorded
as administrative VIPS leave
VIPS leave documented by
unit/dept. approved process
Response
Response
Percent
Count
56.3%
9
56.3%
9
37.5%
6
18.8%
3
Verbal discussion only with my
supervisor, no written
documentation
Other (please specify)
4 of 9
6
answered question
16
skipped question
32
10. If the VIPS model were to be expanded, what volunteer opportunities might be of
interest to you? (Check all that apply)
Response
Response
Percent
Count
Include travel time in authorized
administrative VIPS leave
51.2%
22
37.2%
16
Expand to include Pre-K
51.2%
22
Expand to include private schools
44.2%
19
20.9%
9
83.7%
36
51.2%
22
(currently 5 hrs./mth.).
Increase overall allotment above 5
hrs./month.
Expand to include for-profit
organizations
Expand to include non-profit
organizations
Expand to include Emergency/First
responder organizations
Other, please describe (type below)
5 of 9
3
answered question
43
skipped question
5
11. If the VIPS model were to be expanded, who might benefit from your volunteer hours?
(choose one)
Supporting both my family
members and my community
Mainly supporting my family
members
Mainly supporting my community
Response
Response
Percent
Count
61.9%
26
0.0%
0
38.1%
16
answered question
42
skipped question
6
12. If your volunteer hours would likely benefit people, what is the approximate age range
served? (check all that apply)
Response
Response
Percent
Count
Younger than six years old (Pre-K)
33.3%
14
Six to 17 years old (K-12)
78.6%
33
18 to 54 years old (adult)
42.9%
18
55 years and older (senior citizen)
38.1%
16
answered question
42
skipped question
6
13. Anything else you'd like us to consider in relation to volunteer hours? (type below)
Response
Count
11
6 of 9
answered question
11
skipped question
37
7 of 9
Page 2, Q2. How did you first find out about VIPS leave? (Check one)
1
APC Employment Committeee
Nov 5, 2014 11:58 AM
2
I've been at the University for 9 years and only recently learned of VIPS because
I am now on APC
Oct 15, 2014 2:11 PM
3
HR Website
Oct 15, 2014 7:02 AM
4
Commitment 2 Campus webpage
Oct 13, 2014 1:54 PM
5
APC
Oct 13, 2014 12:22 PM
6
APC meetings and discussion regarding flexible time
Oct 13, 2014 11:52 AM
7
conversation with colleagues
Oct 13, 2014 11:41 AM
8
State Classified Orentation
Oct 7, 2014 9:57 AM
9
CSU New employee orientation
Oct 7, 2014 9:24 AM
10
CPC
Oct 7, 2014 9:08 AM
Page 2, Q9. I record(ed) VIPS leave with my unit/dept. in the following way(s): (check all that apply)
1
n/a
Oct 14, 2014 9:16 AM
2
N/A
Oct 13, 2014 12:22 PM
3
Discussion and form completed, no time used
Oct 13, 2014 11:52 AM
4
n/a
Oct 13, 2014 9:09 AM
5
N/A
Oct 7, 2014 10:22 AM
6
Supervisor did sign approval form
Oct 7, 2014 9:24 AM
Page 2, Q10. If the VIPS model were to be expanded, what volunteer opportunities might be of interest to you?
(Check all that apply)
1
PVH or MCR volunteering
Nov 5, 2014 11:58 AM
2
ELDER CARE
Oct 13, 2014 11:58 AM
3
Animal Shelter
Oct 7, 2014 9:24 AM
8 of 9
Page 2, Q13. Anything else you'd like us to consider in relation to volunteer hours? (type below)
1
This is an amazing program that seems that seems to be little know about. I've
worked at CSU for 7 years and just learned about this from a co-worker a few
months ago. It would be an incredible benefit to our community and the
University to expand this program to work with a variety of non-profit
organizations in Northern Colorado.
Oct 17, 2014 11:45 AM
2
I don't believe there's enough information about this program so I am guessing
it's highly underutilized. Until serving on the APC I had no idea that I could
volunteer during work hours at my child's public school.
Oct 15, 2014 2:11 PM
3
I volunteer with Partners Mentoring Youth - it would be great if that type of
activity could be included.
Oct 15, 2014 7:02 AM
4
I think it would be good PR for CSU to have its employees volunteering more in
the community. It helps to alleviate the town and gown problems that arise. Also,
parents will be better, more loyal workers if they have the opportunity to spend
time with their children during the work day.
Oct 13, 2014 1:54 PM
5
It would be rewarding to have more CSU employees volunteering in youth
educational facilities and elderly day care facilities. Perhaps next year there can
be a "contest" among the different colleges and administrative units to
encourage more CSU employees to volunteer in places that benefit the young
and the old of Fort Collins and the surrounding communities.
Oct 13, 2014 11:58 AM
6
Travel time is very important, particularly if I'm volunteering in a Larimer County
school in south Loveland.
Oct 13, 2014 11:52 AM
7
I volunteer at the Larimer Humane Society, a non-profit organization. It might be
nice to have time during the week to do this volunteer work in addition to or
instead of my weekend hours. I don't have children, so don't have a ready
opportunity to volunteer at a public school.
Oct 13, 2014 11:29 AM
8
I think the 5 hours is enough a month to help out at schools.
Oct 7, 2014 10:37 AM
9
Supervisor doesn't really like that I use VIPS.
Oct 7, 2014 10:36 AM
10
I volunteer at the Denver Women's Correctional Institute - If we could include
other government agencies - even the workforce center - that would benefit more
folks.
Oct 7, 2014 10:22 AM
11
I don't think it should be expanded to for-profit organizations.
Oct 7, 2014 10:15 AM
9 of 9
Hi Angela and Joanna,
In follow-up to the meeting recently held with Diana and I, I wish to be sure I send you the discount
information available to employees I mentioned. You may recall that I shared that the insurance
providers and SOC offer several services employees could save is used.
Please take a look at the program resources are below.
https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f
State of Colorado Employee Discount Marketplace
http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/pdfs/anthem-special-offers.pdf
Anthem discounts
United Healthcare (see attached documents)
Kind regards, Teri
Health discount program.
Be healthy. Save money.
Our health discount program helps you and your family save
typically 10 to 25 percent on many health and wellness
purchases not included in your standard health benefit plan.
By visiting a participating health provider, you can save on:
Would you like
to look better,
feel better and
save money?
Even if you already
have medical, dental
and vision coverage,
as an enrolled health
plan member, you can
save even more money
by using your health
discount program.
`` Dental care — Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening
`` Vision care — Laser eye surgery
`` Alternative care — Acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage
therapy and natural medicine
`` Long-term care services — Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, respite
programs and durable medical equipment
`` Infertility treatment
`` Hearing devices
Disclosure: The UnitedHealth Allies® discount plan is administered by HealthAllies®, Inc., a
discount medical plan organization. The UnitedHealth Allies discount plan is NOT
insurance. The discount plan provides discounts at certain health care providers for health
services. The discount plan does not make payments directly to the providers of health services.
The discount plan member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount
from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization.
HealthAllies, Inc., is located at P.O. Box 10340, Glendale, CA, 91209, 1-800-860-8773.
So many ways to save
Save on these wellness resources to help you live a healthier life:
`` Weight management from Jenny Craig®1, Nutrisystem® and other
popular programs
`` Nutrition counseling
`` Fitness clubs2 including Anytime Fitness®, Curves®, Gold’s Gym®, Jazzercise®,
Life Time Fitness®, MyGym® and Snap Fitness®
`` Fitness equipment and apparel
Why pay full price for your
out-of-pocket health care?
Use the health discount
program and save.
Cost* without health discount program
Cost* with health discount program
`` Natural products and foods
`` Stress reduction and relaxation resources
`` Smoking cessation programs
Fitness club membership
(monthly fee)
$46
Plus the cost of food and shipping where applicable. Discounts apply to membership fee only.
Offer good at participating Centres and Jenny At Home in the United States.
1
2
Availability varies by geographic area; applies to new memberships only
How to get your discounts
Remember to always use your health benefits for covered services, and use the health
discount program for those services that you must pay for yourself. No referrals are
required for the health discount program, and there are no claim forms to submit. To
locate participating health care professionals, programs and online retailers:
`` Link to the health discount program from myuhc.com®, look for the Extra
Programs and Discounts* link on the home page, or select the Physicians &
Facilities tab and and choose Find Health and Wellness Discounts in the left
navigation list.
`` To search for a provider, program or online retailer, click the UnitedHealth Allies link
and select a category (such as Alternative Care) and a specialty (such as Massage).
`` For individual providers: Click Select This Provider to generate a discount
confirmation. Be sure to print the discount confirmation and take it with
you to your appointment. Note that the confirmation is simply your rate
guarantee. You are under no obligation to visit the selected provider.
`` Make an appointment, being sure to identify yourself as a UnitedHealth Allies®
discount program member, and pay the discounted rate at the time of service.
`` For national providers such as weight loss programs or our online shopping
partners: Simply follow the instructions on the Provider Profile page to purchase
products or services at the discounted rate. No confirmation is necessary.
*After logging in to myuhc.com and linking to the health discount site, if you
are not automatically logged in to the health discount program website, click
on First-time users: Create Account and follow the instructions. Or, call the
Customer Care number on your medical ID card (or discount card, if issued).
$24.95
Save $21.05
$20 $25 $30$35 $40$45$50
Lasik
$3,198
$2,718
Save $480
$1000 $1100 $1200$1300$1400 $1500$1600
Teeth whitening
$330
$270
Save $60
$220$240 $260$380 $300 $320 $340
* Savings examples based on fee
schedules and contracted discount
rates. Your actual savings may vary
by provider or facility selected,
geographic area and service
purchased.
Components subject to change. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services
provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.
100-5354 2/13 © 2013 United HealthCare Services, Inc.
Make healthy lifestyle products and services
available to your employees at a reduced
rate with our health discount program*
Our health discount program helps employees and
their families typically save 10 to 25 percent on a
wide range of health- and wellness-related programs,
products and services.
Benefits for your organization
Helping employees save money on non-covered
health and wellness purchases may yield positive
results for your organization by:
• Enhancing your wellness benefits
• Encouraging participation in fitness activities,
weight-loss programs and smoking cessation programs
• Enabling employees and family members without
access to dental and vision benefits to receive care at
reduced rates
• Offering employees who cope with aging parents
discounts on homemaker services, home health care,
respite care and assisted living
• Helping employees manage stress with discounts on
yoga, massage therapy and aromatherapy products
* The health discount program is NOT insurance.
• Educating members about health care costs
• Making it possible for employees to reduce their health
spending through savings on non-covered services
• Increasing the value of Flexible Spending Accounts
when participants use federal-income-tax-free
dollars to purchase qualified products and services at
discounted rates
Program features
• Easy provider lookup online or by telephone
• Discounts for member, spouse and dependents
• Point-of-service savings means no paperwork
• Robust network of 150,000 health care
professionals, facilities and retailers including
popular brands such as Jenny Craig,® Nutrisystem,®
Anytime Fitness,® Snap Fitness and others
• Optional fulfillment materials and ongoing
communication
• Members enjoy our minimum discount guarantee
Category
Specialties
Typical Discount
Vision
Laser vision correction, optometry,
eyeglasses, contact lenses
Lenses and frames: 20%
Fitting, evaluation and follow up: 10 - 20%
Exams: $40 maximum
LASIK: 5 -15% off promotional rates
Mail order: 12 -15%
Dental
General dentistry, cosmetic dentistry,
orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics
10 - 35%
Alternative Care
Chiropractic, massage therapy,
acupuncture, naturopathy
20%
Wellness
Nutrition, weight loss, fitness clubs,
online health and wellness vendors
10 - 25%
Long-Term Care Services
Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living,
home health aids, durable medical
equipment, respite programs
5 - 30%
Hearing
Hearing devices
10 - 50%
Infertility Treatment
In vitro fertilization
10 - 30%
The health discount program is a low-cost, high-value
program that all employees and their families can
use, every day. For more information, contact your
UnitedHealthcare representative.
Disclosure: The Health Discount Program is administered by HealthAllies,® Inc., a discount medical plan
organization. The Health Discount Program is NOT insurance. The discount program provides discounts at
certain health care providers for medical services. The discount program does not make payments directly to the
providers of medical services. The discount program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will
receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization.
HealthAllies, Inc., is located at P.O. Box 10340, Glendale, CA, 91209, 1-800-860-8773, www.unitedhealthallies.com,
[email protected].
The Health Discount Program is offered to existing members of certain products underwritten or provided by
UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates to provide specific discounts and to encourage participation
in wellness programs. Health care professional availability for certain services may be dependent on licensure,
scope of practice restrictions or other requirements in the state. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse or guarantee
health products/services available through the discount program. This program may not be available in all states
or for all groups. Discounts will vary by provider. Components subject to change.
FSAs are administered by OptumHealth Financial ServicesSM and are subject to eligibility and restrictions. This communication is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please
contact a competent legal or tax professional for personal advice on eligibility, tax treatment, and restrictions. Federal and state laws and regulations are subject to change.
Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and Anytime Fitness are all registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or
their affiliates.
©2014 United HealthCare Services, Inc.
5/14 100-11596 Employer UHCEW544800-002