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DeKalb County moves forward with March wellness screening and $50 premium incentive for employees
Summary
Commissioners supported holding an on-site wellness screening and keeping a $50 per‑pay premium deduction for employees who complete physician verification; staff reserved March 26 and noted 34 employees had already submitted wellness paperwork as of the most recent Friday.
DeKalb County commissioners agreed on Jan. 6 to promote a voluntary employee wellness screening while keeping a $50 per‑pay premium deduction available for employees who complete required physician verification.
County staff (S3) told commissioners she had reserved March 26 for a Parkview-provided screening and reminded the board that participation is voluntary; employees must still see their primary care physician to receive the premium deduction. As of the most recent Friday, staff said 34 county employees who are on the health plan had submitted wellness paperwork; employees have until May 31 to complete verification for the July 1 plan year.
The program restores an incentive the county adopted after moving to a self-insured plan. S3 said the county historically paid for a basic screening (about $43 per person) and that Parkview places screening results in employees' MyChart for physician review. Commissioners discussed whether the county should also rely on employees doing screenings through their doctors, and whether the county health department could provide similar services and aggregate reporting.
"More information for the employees is always better," a commissioner (S4) said, urging that the county proceed with both the in-person screening and encouraging employees to obtain physician verification. Another commissioner noted past negative experience when an earlier self-insurance program used mandatory testing and punitive premium changes; S3 emphasized the current approach is voluntary and framed as an incentive rather than a penalty.
Staff said Parkview offers a basic blood-work package and employees may opt into add‑ons at their own cost. Commissioners instructed staff to proceed with scheduling and outreach; S3 said she would follow up with Parkview and, depending on final arrangements, bring any required contract paperwork back to the board for signature.
The county did not set new mandatory requirements for employees or change eligibility rules during the meeting; the board directed staff to continue outreach and to report back if any contract or statutory issues arise.
