The university’s Wellness Incentive starts Sunday, Nov. 1, for all eligible faculty and staff. From November 2015 through September 2016, you can earn up to $450 in your paycheck for taking steps to improve your health.

The 2016 Wellness Incentive has two tiers:

• Tier 1: Educate yourself – Complete Tier 1 by Saturday, April 30, 2016, to earn $100 in May 2016.
• Tier 2: Invest in yourself – Complete Tier 2 by Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, to earn an additional $350 in October 2016.

Get a jumpstart on Tier 1 points by taking the Wellness Pledge during Annual Enrollment. Educate yourself to discover ways you could improve your health. Then, invest in yourself by participating in Tier 2 activities that help you reach your goals. You don’t have to complete Tier 1 to get started on Tier 2, but you have to finish Tier 1 by Saturday, April 30, 2016 to earn your Tier 2 money. Lots of different activities are included to help you define what wellness means to you and to promote a culture of health.

Any university faculty and staff member may participate in the Wellness Incentive activities, but only employees who are 1) benefit-eligible and in active status and 2) pay premiums for a University of Missouri medical plan at the time the incentive is paid out can earn $450 under the incentive program. Wellness Incentive earnings will be taxed and voluntary retirement contributions will be deducted, just like with other earnings.