Frequently Asked Questions
This page presents links to frequently asked questions about our program. If you don't see the answer to your question or would simply like more information than is provided in these answers please
Contact Us.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in this program?
A: There are three options to participate:
a. Must be a current member of both the MIT and NCIRMA pools, or
b. Must be a member of the NCIRMA Worker’s Compensation Pool, or
c. Must be a member of the MIT Health Pool.
Q: I’ve heard this Wellness Initiative is only for Police Departments. Is this true?
A: Initially, this program was targeted to just police. However, based on interest from our members, the Wellness Initiative is now open to all employees from current participants as noted in Question #1.
Q: Are there any other restrictions as to which participants may join this program?
A: While we have opened this program on a state-wide basis, we will do this in stages over time. An initial number of participants have been targeted to participate in this program. As we move forward, additional members will be contacted to join.
Q: Is there a cost to participate in this program?
A: The RMS Board of Trustees voted to provide this service at NO COST to those member agencies participating in both the Medical and Workers Compensation Pools. For member agencies participating in only one pool the cost for each employee participant will be $150.00. Once employees enroll they must remain in the program or the participating agency must pay $150.00 for each employee that drops. Exceptions would be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Q: We are participating in ONLY ONE POOL and my budget is already set for this year. What if my Board will not authorize this additional expenditure?
A: RMS will offer payment options to assist with the initial cost of this program. Contact us for details.
Q: If my Board decides to authorize this additional expenditure, how must we plan for paying it?
A: First and foremost, you must show the expense on your current budget, even though you may not incur an immediate payment. We will issue an invoice for the full amount. However, as noted in Question 7, we will negotiate a payment plan should this be necessary.
Q: I have heard of the Wellness Initiative, but what is it?
A: In brief, the Wellness Initiative is a multifaceted program designed to improve the quality of life by evaluating an employee’s present health status and developing a realistic plan, tailored to the individual, to improve their health and fitness. The plan focuses on such things as exercise, diet, lifestyle, etc and is based on bio metric screening of the employee and completion of an individual health risk assessment.
Q: If I enroll, will my employees receive training?
A: Yes. Topics and length of courses can be tailored to your needs. A few examples offered include: Stress Management, Nutrition and Fitness, Back Safety, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Smoking Cessation and Personal Motivation.
Q: Are my employees screened and what screenings are provided?
A: Each member will select a coordinator that will be trained by experts in Human Performance from East Carolina University. Project experts with background in law enforcement and a trained exercise physiologist will work as a team with your trained coordinator. Screenings include lipids (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) glucose, blood pressure, body composition, flexibility, endurance and overall fitness testing.
Q: What is an “IHP”?
A: Each employee will receive a confidential and comprehensive Individual Health Prescription (IHP) prepared immediately after screening and delivered the following day. It will be based on the individual’s health habits, blood chemistry and fitness level. Personal one-on-one counseling will be provided by the trained exercise physiologist and coordinators when the IHP is hand delivered.
Q: Who is BioSignia and what value do they bring?A: BioSignia is a predictive modeling company delivering innovative solutions to the healthcare and life insurance industries. BioSignia’s health risk assessment (HRA) engine enables employees to significantly improve prevention and management of chronic diseases by focusing on individualized disease risk assessment (DRA). Each participant will receive an individualized report and letter to help understand your specific health and/or chronic disease risks and what you can do to reduce your risks.
Q: Who is administering program implementation?
A: The RMS Board of Trustees selected David D. Cashwell and Associates to administer statewide implementation of the NCLM Wellness Initiative. Prior to taking on a consulting role, Mr. Cashwell spent his career in the North Carolina Department of Justice and served as Director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division the last sixteen years there. After retirement he served as Chief Operations Officer of the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners. His Management Team consists of experts in Human Performance, Exercise Physiologists, Law Enforcement Managers and Trainers and Data Research Scientists.
Q: How can I learn more about the program?
A: Please contact Jim Davenport, Manager of Loss Control and Health Services, at 1-800-228-0986.