Bill > SB5807

This bill modifies wellness initiatives for public and school employee health benefit plans, specifically focusing on changes to the existing Smart Health program. The bill mandates that as of January 1, 2028, the Public Employees' Benefits Board and the School Employees' Benefits Board shall no longer offer the Smart Health program, which includes a wellness incentive and an online portal. Employees who have met the eligibility requirements to receive a wellness incentive by December 31, 2027, will still receive the wellness incentive in plan year 2028, but employees will not be eligible to earn new wellness incentives after January 1, 2028. The legislation maintains the boards' existing responsibilities to design comprehensive health care benefits that include wellness strategies such as smoking cessation, injury prevention, weight reduction, exercise, and nutrition education. The bill amends existing law (RCW 41.05.065 and 41.05.740) to reflect these changes, ensuring that while specific wellness incentive programs will be discontinued, the broader focus on employee health and cost-efficient healthcare remains a priority for both public and school employee benefit plans.