The University of Missouri System’s 2017 wellness incentive starts Tuesday, Nov. 1, for eligible faculty and staff. From November 2016 through September 2017, you’ll have the opportunity to earn $450 for taking steps to improve your health and wellness.

The 2017 wellness incentive has two tiers with a new payout structure:

• Tier 1: Educate yourself. — Complete Tier 1 by April 30, 2017, to earn $50 in May 2017.
• Tier 2: Invest in yourself. — Complete Tier 2 by earning 400 points starting Nov. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2017; successful completion of Tier 2 will earn you $400 in October 2017.

With Tier 1, you’ll determine ways to improve your personal health. In Tier 2, you’ll use what you learned and participate in activities to reach your goals. You are not required to complete Tier 1 to start on Tier 2, but you must finish Tier 1 by April 30, 2017, to be eligible for the Tier 2 payout. The wellness team has added more activities this year to promote a culture of health and help you define what wellness means to you. New offerings include diversity and inclusion opportunities and points for participating in community service. Visit umurl.us/incentive to learn more about ways to earn $450.

Any university faculty or staff member may participate in wellness incentive activities, but only employees who are 1) in active status, at least .75 full-time equivalent, and 2) pay premiums for a University of Missouri System medical plan at the time the incentive is paid out can earn $450 through the incentive program. The incentive earnings will be taxed and voluntary retirement contributions will be deducted. For more information, please visit umurl.us/incentive.