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Legislative proposals would retire SmartHealth portal and pause wellness incentives
Summary
Staff told the board two similar budget proposals (SB 5793 and a slimmer version, 5807) would remove the SmartHealth portal and the wellness incentive from PEBB/SEBB decision packages, with a Senate timeline indicating the portal and incentive could be retired by Jan. 1, 2028; staff cautioned this would require policy and rule changes.
Agency staff briefed the board on two budget measures that would remove the SmartHealth portal and the wellness incentive from PEBB/SEBB programs. Kate Walker and other staff said the house and senate proposals take similar approaches: both seek elimination of the SmartHealth incentive and portal, though the senate introduced a standalone bill (SB 5793) and the house included analogous language in its budget bill.
A staff presenter noted "they retired the SmartHealth program effective January 2028" under the senate proposal and that timing differs between chamber versions. Staff said the removal focuses narrowly on the wellness incentive and SmartHealth portal and does not eliminate other wellness program elements such as smoking‑cessation or diabetes management supports.
Board members asked about the policy and operational implications; staff said policies and rule changes will likely be needed if the legislature finalizes the language in the conference budget and that staff may return with proposed rule amendments depending on final budget language.
Why it matters: Removing the SmartHealth portal and incentives would change enrollment and incentive structures across PEBB/SEBB plans and could require outreach and rulemaking to wind down the portal and preserve other wellness program components.
