Health screenings

Health screenings check cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass index, and waist measurement. Individual health screening results are not shared with Hennepin County or PreferredOne.

Wellness points

• You earn 500 wellness points toward the health incentive
• You earn points either for an on-site screening or at your doctor's office
• You can earn points for a screening once per year

For a health screening at your doctor

• You and your doctor fill out the Virgin Pulse provider form
• Get the form from your Virgin Pulse account (select Programs and search "screening")
• You can upload the completed form to your Virgin Pulse account or your doctor can fax it to Virgin Pulse
• Submit the form by October 15, 2020 for points toward the 2021 co-pay reduction

On-site events

There are no on-site events scheduled at this time.

Flu shots

Wellness points

• You earn 250 wellness points toward the health incentive
• You earn points when you document your flu shot completion in your Virgin Pulse account (select Programs and search "flu")
• See where you can get a flu shot at no cost
• You can earn points for a flu shot once per year

The Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy is temporarily closed.

We encourage staff to take advantage of the following telemedicine options that provide treatment for 60 of the most common conditions and has no copays or deductibles:

• All plans: MDLive
• Advantage (HealthPartners/Park Nicollet) and Standard: Virtuwell
• Advantage (M Health/North Memorial) and Standard: Oncare
• Advantage (Hennepin Healthcare/NorthPoint): E-visits  

If you have questions about benefits, please contact the HR Service Center: 612-348-7855 or hr.servicecenter@hennepin.us

The Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy provides employees treatment for common health concerns (e.g., colds, flu strep, eye and ear infections, allergies, sprains, chiropractic, and acupuncture).

It also provides acupuncture and chiropractic services.

Phone: 612-873-6963

Location: 701 Building (downtown Minneapolis) at 701 South 4th Avenue

There’s no copay for office visits for employees on the county health plan.

BeWell Clinic and Pharmacy

Trade time for fitness is designed to promote and increase physical activity in employees and their household members.

Summary

• Pay for fitness and wellness expenses with sick leave or paid time off (PTO)
• Expenses can apply to you or your household members
• Expenses can total up to $2,000 per payroll year
• Sick leave or PTO balance must be high enough to cover the claim

Claims and reimbursements

Deadlines for claims

• December 4, 2020: Deadline for submitting claims to be applied to the 2020 $2,000 maximum
• March 5, 2021: Deadline for submitting claims for purchases made in 2020

Submitting claims

• Submit, edit or check status of claims in APEX
• Receipts must be itemized, dated and clearly show that the amount in your claim was paid
• Bank or credit card statements can only be used for monthly health club dues
• Can include multiple receipts for one claim, use date of oldest purchase
• Claims must be equal to or less than the purchase price

Receiving reimbursements

• Reimbursement comes in your regular paycheck and is considered taxable income
• Check your reimbursement balance in APEX or on your most current pay-stub
• Allow up to 3 to 4 weeks to see reimbursement on your paycheck
• If you’re leaving or retiring from the county, submit remaining expenses before your last working day

Eligible expenses

• Health club memberships
• New and used equipment, equipment maintenance, repair, parts, and warranties
• Exercise fees (e.g., sport league registration, court and rink rental, bike locker, and equipment rental)
• Fitness classes and personal trainers
• Massage (not medically necessary)
• Activity trackers and wearable devices (e.g., Fitbit)
• Behavior modification programs for weight loss (does not include food)
• Day sports camp
• Meditation, mindfulness or stress management apps
• Sporting gear (not clothing, see below) or protective sporting gear
• Fitness purchases from private parties (requires bill of sale with seller's name, address, phone number and signature, equipment purchased, payment information and date, and name of purchaser and signature)
• Sales tax and shipping and handling on these items
• Ergonomic chairs and sit-to-stand desks (must provide documentation with your claim that includes "ergonomic" or "adjustable" in the description)

Non-eligible expenses

• Body weight/composition scales, sleep trackers
• Building equipment for home gyms
• Child care or fun club, camping, clubs social in nature (e.g., country club, golf, bowling, and skiing)
• Clothing (e.g., running shoes, hiking boots, jackets, shorts, uniforms, and swimsuits)
• Fees (e.g., tanning, park permits)
• Fishing or recreational equipment (e.g., tents, packs, coolers), tracing books or manuals
• Food and supplements even if purchased for a weight loss program
• Health coaching or nutrition counseling
• Items to transport sporting goods that can be repurposed (i.e. duffle bag, gym bag)
• Jogging strollers
• Medical expenses (e.g., lab tests, prescriptions, co-pays, medical equipment, medically prescribed massage) or other items reimbursable through a health savings account
• Reimbursements from health insurance providers (Fitness Advantage)
• Smoking cessation services or supplies (nicotine gum or patches)
• Tips for services
• Water bottles or water hydration packs
• Weapons (e.g., paint ball guns and equipment, air rifles, hunting guns, and archery equipment)

Questions

Contact HealthWorks at healthworks@hennepin.us or 612-348-4628.

Health club discounts

Fitness Advantage health club discount

Employees, family members and retirees covered by the county health plan can take part:

• Earn $10 - $25 per month toward health club membership fees
• Applies to health clubs that participate in the Fitness Advantage program
• Up to two household members can sign up
• Work out 12 times a month and get $25 per month off membership fees
• Work out 8 times a month and get $15 per month off membership fees
• Work out 6 times a month and get $10 per month off membership fees
• If you belong to more than one health club the discount can only apply to one
• You can use trade time for fitness to pay for the rest of your health club fees

Claims and reimbursements:

• Reimbursement comes 30-45 days from the end of the month when you complete visits. For example, if you have 12 visits in January your account is reimbursed in March.
• The reimbursed amount is taxable income and you’ll see this on your paycheck
• Your fitness club decides how to reimburse you (methods can include a reduction in future membership fees or direct deposit)
• You can earn points toward the health incentive and your points automatically go into Virgin Pulse (6 to 8 visits earns you 250 wellness points, 12 visits earns you 500 wellness points)

Enrollment:

• Fill out the Fitness Advantage enrollment form (PDF) and take it to your health club

Additional health club discounts for county employees

LA Fitness membership rate for county employees and family members

• $29.99 per month (current and new members)
• No enrollment fees
• Enroll up to three immediate family members at employee rate
• Access to all LA Fitness-branded clubs except "Signature" clubs and clubs located in Canada
• Complimentary training consultation
• $49 annual fee per person
• To enroll, contact Brian Dooley at 612-718-3750 or LAFitnessEmployeeDiscount@gmail.com

Lifetime Fitness incentives for joining

• No enrollment fees
• My LT Bucks: 100 dollars toward health club items
• Complimentary personal training consultation
• Access to online content and resources, such as Flourish newsletter and Eat Well
• Enroll online

YMCA discounted fees offered to county employees

• Access to all 25 YMCA locations in Twin Cities
• Earn $15 towards the next month's membership fee when you visit at least 12 times a month (open to current and new members)
• $15 enrollment fee
• Free towel services
• Enroll at a YMCA

YWCA discounted fees offered to county employees

• Access to Midtown, Downtown and Uptown Minneapolis YWCA locations
• Earn $15 towards the next month's membership fee when you visit at least 12 times a month (open to current and new members)
• Initial enrollment fee of $25 (0$ enrollment fee during January 2020)
• Receive 8 guest passes annually
• Enroll at a YWCA

On-site fitness classes

COVID-19 update: Onsite fitness classes are temporarily suspended. Some instructors are offering virtual options to participate. Contact instructors directly for details.

Tai-Chi Basics classes on Tuesdays

• Noon–12:30 p.m., Government Center, Room A-610
• 4–4:30 p.m., Government Center, Room C2350
• Drop in and pay what you can ($10 suggested)
• For more information contact Julie Cisler at juliecisler13@hotmail.com or call 612-876-7915

Traditional Tai-Chi classes on Tuesdays

• 11:15–11:45 a.m., Government Center, Room A-610
• 12:40–1:10 p.m., Government Center, Room A-610
• 4:30–5 p.m., Government Center, Room C2350
• $64 for six weeks or $12 per class
• To register contact Julie Cisler at juliecisler13@hotmail.com or call 612-876-7915

Yoga by Fit to Live

• Yoga Core: Tuesdays, 12:10–12:55 p.m., Government Center, Room A0710 ($78 for six classes)
• Yoga Core: Thursdays, 12:30–1:15 p.m., Ridgedale library, Room 172 ($78 for six classes)
• Yoga for Stress: Wednesdays, 4:45–5:45 p.m., Health Services Building, Room LL15 ($84 for six classes)
• To register contact Linda Simon at info@fittolivetoday.com or call 612-722-6571
• Drop-in rates available

Yoga by Liz Magee

• Gentle Flow Yoga: Wednesdays, 12:10–12:55 p.m., Government Center, Room A0710 ($60 for six classes; $39 for three classes)
• For details and to register, contact Liz Magee at lizmunplugged@gmail.com
• Drop in rate is $15

Hennepin County informs employees of eligible health club discounts and on-site classes but does not endorse any health club or class.

Health and wellness coaching

• Get personal coaching to work toward your health and wellness goals
• Learn to manage stress, eat better, increase your physical activity or manage chronic conditions
• Health coaching details

Employee assistance program

In-person, video chat or telephonic resources

• You can meet one-on-one with a counselor to discuss money, family, work, legal or personal issues
• Free and confidential
• Four free visits for each issue you want to discuss
• Translation available
• To speak to someone immediately or to make an appointment, contact Sand Creek EAP at 651-430-3383 or 1-888-243-5744

Online resources: My Life Expert

• Live chat support
• Webinars, online learning modules, podcasts, articles and videos about a variety of topics including health, fitness, financial wellness, childcare, aging, legal information and soft skills
• To create an account: Go to Sand Creek EAP, select My Life Expert, company code is Hennepin

County health insurance coverage for mental health

• County health plans offer generous mental health care coverage
• No copay or deductible for mental health and substance abuse office visits for providers inside or outside of your plan's network
• No limit of visits for any provider
• Check your plan for providers and other details

Mental health support through Learn to Live

• Online programs for anxiety, stress, social anxiety, depression, insomnia, or substance use
• Programs based on principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Free and confidential
• Access to coaches via text, email, and phone
• Referrals for in-person providers
• Visit the Learn to Live website for more information, passcode HENNEPIN

Blood pressure screenings

Free on-site blood pressure machines

You can use blood pressure machines in many county buildings:

• 701 Building: 1st floor (Minneapolis)
• Adult Corrections Facility (Plymouth)
• Brookdale: near the service center and courts, opposite the library (Brooklyn Center)
• Family Justice Center: Lower level (Minneapolis)
• Government Center: underground A level (Minneapolis)
• Health Services Building: 2nd floor (Minneapolis)
• Northwest Family Service Center (Brooklyn Center)
• Public Safety Facility: 2nd floor (Minneapolis)
• Public Works Facility: 2nd floor (Medina)
• Ridgedale: 2nd floor outside the Service Center (Minnetonka)
• South Minneapolis Human Service Center (Minneapolis)
• Southdale: near the entrance to the library (Edina)

Blood pressure check at Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy

COVID-19 update: The Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy is currently closed.

• You can schedule a blood pressure check at the Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy
• No copay for employees with county health insurance or their adult dependents
• For appointment call 612-873-7373

Massage

COVID-19 update: Onsite massage is temporarily suspended.

Ridgedale library

• Third Thursday of the month, 1–5 p.m.
• $12 for 10 minutes or $24 for 20 minutes
• Massage provided by Anna Preston with Blue Mountain Healing Arts
• Contact Anna at 612-232-8694 or email bluemountainhealingarts@yahoo.com

HealthWorks offices, Government Center, SW street level

• Thursdays, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• $30 for 20 minutes
• Massage provided by Reka Laeger-Hagemeister of Bodywork by Reka
• Make appointment with Reka at 507-456-8222 or email info@bodyworkbyreka.com

Help quitting tobacco

Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy

COVID-19 update: The Be Well Clinic and Pharmacy is currently closed.

• You can see a medical provider for tobacco cessation aids
• Tobacco cessation aids qualify as medical expenses in flexible spending accounts
• No copay for employees with county health insurance or their adult dependents

Health coaching

• Receive one-on-one help from a health coach for a personal path to quitting
• You’ll earn 250 wellness points per coaching session toward the health incentive
• Health coaching details

Virgin Pulse Journeys

• Online activities in Virgin Pulse can help you quit tobacco
• You earn wellness points toward the health incentive
• You earn 1,500 points for completing a Journey

Tobacco-related Journeys:

• Consider Quitting
• No Thanks, I Quit
• Prepare to Quit
• Ready, Set, Stop Smoking
• Stay on Track, Stay Quit

Quit for life program

• Preferred One members have free access to a five-month online program
• The program includes phone calls with a quit coach and text messages
• You earn 1,000 wellness points toward the health incentive for completing the program

• Hennepin 5K
• Step To It Challenge
• Wellness catalog