Contents:

1. General Incentive Questions
2. State-sponsored Health Screening Questions
3. Nicotine Free Questions
4. Eligible Provider Visit Questions

General Incentive Questions

Q: Why does the State Plan offer the Live Life Well Incentive?
A:  The Health Care & Benefits Division (HCBD) is dedicated to offering and administering competitive and comprehensive benefits for Plan Members (employees, retirees, legislators, and their families) in a cost-effective manner.  The Live Life Well Incentive encourages Plan Members to take an active interest in maintaining and improving their health by decreasing the amount a Plan Member is required to pay for State Plan contributions. In the long term, active engagement in health and wellness results in more productive employees and saves the employee and the State Plan money by reducing the amount of emergency/catastrophic care claims. For example, it is much less expensive for a Plan Member to manage high cholesterol with an inexpensive prescription than to end up in the cardiac ICU after an unexpected heart attack.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Live Life Well Incentive Program?
A: Plan Members (employees, retirees, legislators, COBRA participants, and their spouses/domestic partners covered by the State Plan) are eligible.  Plan Members enrolled on State Plan coverage may earn the Live Life Well Incentive to be applied towards contributions for 2026 by completing Live Life Well Activities in 2025. Based on federal agency guidance, dependent children are not eligible to earn an incentive, but may still participate in Live Life Well Incentive Activities.

Q: What do I need to do to earn the $60 Live Life Well Incentive in 2026?
A: You must complete ALL THREE of the Live Life Well Incentive Activities to earn ANY incentive.

1) Complete a State-sponsored health screening;

2) Self-report that you are nicotine free or have completed an alternative as required (see Nicotine Free section); and

3) Self-report that you have completed an Eligible Provider Visit.  Visit LiveLifeWellMT@medikeeper.com to self-report. See the following question for applicable timelines. 

Q: What is the timeline for completing Live Life Well Incentive Activities to earn a Live Life Well Incentive?
A: All Live Life Well Incentive Activities must be completed between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025.  It is highly recommended that you complete your activities early in the year.  Health screening appointments near the end of the year are typically full and waiting may result in no appointments being available.  If you want your Live Life Well Incentive to appear in the benefits enrollment site during Open Enrollment, please be sure to complete all your activities prior to September 1, 2025.  October 31, 2025 is the last day to complete and self-report all activities. 

Q:  When will I receive my Live Life Well (LLW) Incentive?
A:   The LLW Incentive will be applied toward each month’s required benefit contribution for the Plan Year FOLLOWING the year that you completed your LLW Incentive Activities starting in January.  So, if you completed your LLW Incentive Activities in 2025, then you will receive the LLW Incentive as $60 off each month’s required contribution in 2026.  Active employees will see the LLW Incentive applied toward the benefit contributions withheld from their bi-weekly paychecks and retirees will see the LLW Incentive applied towards their monthly contributions.

Q:  When does my Live Life Well Incentive expire?
A:  The Live Life Well Incentive will be applied to all monthly contributions required for the Plan Year (January through December) and will expire the last day in December.

Q:  I’m a retiree on the State Plan.  How does the Live Life Well Incentive apply to me?
A:  The Live Life Well Incentive works the same for retirees as it does for active employees. Since retirees are not eligible for the employer contribution (State Share) and they are required to pay the full monthly contribution, they will see a reduction in the amount they pay each month. 

Q: My spouse or I am covered by the State Plan and by Medicare.  How does this affect the Live Life Well Incentive, including access to State-sponsored health screenings and other Live Life Well Incentive requirements?
A:  Retirees covered by Medicare are eligible to earn the Live Life Well Incentive. If you and/or your spouse/domestic partner are covered by Medicare and the State Plan, the Live Life Well Incentive applies the same as described in the rest of this section with one difference, Medicare retirees may ONLY access the Montana Health Center for State-sponsored health screenings and flu shots. Medicare retirees and/or Medicare spouses must see their regular doctor for routine physical exams and all other medical needs, including the Eligible Provider Visit.  

Q: I have a dependent over 18 on the plan.  Are they eligible?
A: Based on federal agency guidance, dependent children are not eligible to earn the Live Life Well Incentive.  Although dependent children are not eligible to participate in the Live Life Well Incentive Program, they do have access to all applicable benefits, including a State-sponsored health screening, wellness programs, health coaching, etc. 

If there is a dependent child covered on the State Plan who is also an employee of the State of Montana, and they transfer onto their own policy, they may complete the required Incentive Activities and the Incentive will be applied once they are on their own policy provided the activities are completed between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025.  Dependent children in this situation must reach out to HCBD for assistance with this exception.

Q: I’m pregnant.  How does this affect how I earn the Live Life Well Incentive? 
A: We want pregnant women to participate IF the Live Life Well Incentive Activities are right for them!  Please consult with your provider about the required Live Life Well Incentive Activities.  If you are pregnant and there is a medical reason you cannot complete a State-sponsored health screening, then an exception may be available to you.  Please contact HCBD for more information.

Some pregnant women find some lab results (not all) are different during pregnancy.  Make sure to follow up with your provider about your results, which may be completely normal given your condition. We highly recommend all pregnant women covered by the State Plan download and use the Ovia mobile app for family planning and prenatal resources.  This mobile app is designed to help you and your baby stay healthy during your pregnancy.  Click here for more information about Prenatal Benefits available to you including the Ovia mobile app: benefits.mt.gov/Live-Life-Well/Prenatal-Benefits.

Q: I’m Joint Core.  How does the Live Life Well Incentive apply to me?
A:  Covered Plan Members (employees, retirees, legislators, COBRA participants, and their spouses/domestic partners covered by the State Plan) may earn a Live Life Well Incentive. Based on federal agency guidance, dependent children, regardless of their age, are not eligible to earn an incentive.  Dependent children may still participate in Live Life Well Incentive Activities but are not eligible to earn a Live Life Well Incentive. That means the maximum possible incentive for a joint core family is $120 ($60 for the primary Plan Member and $60 for the partner Plan Member).

Q: I am newly hired/was re-hired during the Plan Year.  How does the Live Life Well Incentive apply to me?
A: The Live Life Well Incentive requirements are the same for you as all other eligible Plan Members.  If you are hired between September 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025, the timeframe for you to earn the Live Life Well Incentive is short so you must act quickly to have a chance to complete the required Live Life Well Incentive Activities. 

1. Follow the enrollment process outlined in your new hire packet and enroll in benefits as soon as possible. It takes two days after completing your online enrollment before you will be able to schedule an appointment for your State-sponsored health screening at a Montana Health Center (on-site events) or eHealthScreenings (off-site events). 
2. Schedule your appointment and complete a State-sponsored health screening by October 31, 2025. Please note there is no guarantee that an appointment will be available.  Health screening schedules are often completely filled in September and October.
3. Provider visits that happened between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025 are eligible for the LLW Incentive, even if you were not covered on the State Plan when you completed your visit. If needed, schedule your appointment and complete your Eligible Provider Visit by October 31, 2025.
4. Self-report that you are nicotine free or have completed an alternative as required (see Nicotine Free section) AND self-report that you have completed an Eligible Provider Visit. To self-report, visit LiveLifeWellMT@medikeeper.com.  You will need to make an account using your name exactly as it appears on your BlueCross & BlueShield of Montana medical benefit ID card. 
   1. It takes a few weeks after completing your online enrollment before you will be able to create an account and self-report your Nicotine Free and Eligible Provider Visit at LiveLifeWellMT@medikeeper.com. If you complete your enrollment October 1 or after, you will be unable to set-up an account and self-report your Live Life Well Activities on Medikeeper. Contact HCBD right away for an alternative self-reporting method.

If you do not complete the activities outlined in 1-4 above, you will not be eligible to earn the LLW Incentive for the 2026 Plan Year.  Please preview the requirements and be ready to participate in the Live Life Well Incentive Program the following LLW Incentive year.

Q:  What happens if I terminate employment or retire from the State of Montana?
A:  When a Plan Member terminates their benefits (for whatever reason) the Live Life Well Incentive ends (unless the member is re-hired by the State and re-enrolled in State Plan benefits in the same Plan Year). There is no cash reimbursement for the Live Life Well Incentive for any remaining months in the Plan Year. If a person retires and continues their coverage under the State Plan, the Live Life Well Incentive will apply to their retiree benefit contributions. 

Q: What happens to my Live Life Well Incentive if I terminate employment with the State of Montana and elect to continue State Plan coverage under COBRA? 
A: The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives employees and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits for limited periods of time under certain circumstances or life events. The Live Life Well Incentive will apply toward the required State Plan COBRA contributions for Plan Members who have elected to continue State Plan coverage as a COBRA participant. 

Q: I terminated my position with the State of Montana, but now I have returned in another position or with another agency.  Will I still get my Live Life Well Incentive?
A:  Yes, the Live Life Well (LLW) Incentive will still apply if an employee terminates and then re-enrolls in the State Plan, during the same Plan Year. The LLW Incentive will automatically be applied upon your re-enrollment on the State Plan, however you can contact HCBD at (406) 444-7462; (800) 287-8266; TTY (406) 444-1421; or benefitsquestions@mt.gov if you have any questions.  

Q: My eligible spouse/domestic partner completed Live Life Well Incentive (LLW) Activities in the previous Plan Year, but is no longer covered under my plan.  Will I receive their LLW Incentive?
A:  If your spouse/domestic partner completed LLW Incentive Activities in 2024, but is no longer on your plan in 2025, you will lose the LLW Incentive they earned as of the date their State Plan coverage was terminated. 

Q: Is my Live Life Well Incentive transferable to another policy?
A:  The Live Life Well (LLW) Incentive you earn will follow you in the event your eligibility on the State Plan changes, provided you are still enrolled on the State Plan.  For example, if you are covered as a spouse on the State Plan and then become a State of Montana employee and now have coverage under your own State Plan policy.  Your LLW Incentive would be removed from your spouse’s coverage and put on your own coverage.  The transfer of the LLW Incentive will happen automatically upon your enrollment on the other policy, however you can contact the Health Care & Benefits Division at (406) 444-7462; (800) 287-8266; TTY (406) 444-1421; or benefitsquestions@mt.gov if you have any questions.  

Q: May I receive my Live Life Well Incentive in cash?
A:  No, the Live Life Well Incentive will be subtracted from the required monthly contributions for your enrollment in State Plan coverage and is not available in cash.

Q: How can I verify that I’m receiving the Live Life Well Incentive for the 2025 Plan Year?
A: Remember, the LLW Incentive award is still $30 per eligible member for 2025.  To verify if you are receiving the Live Life Well (LLW) Incentive for 2025, review your benefit elections.    

1. Go to benefits.mt.gov. Click on the “Benefit Enrollment and Changes” button and login to the system. If you have not accessed the system and you are a first-time user you will need to register and create a user name and password. The “Company Key” is stateofmontana.   If you are accessing the system via the State of Montana network, you may be able to automatically enter the system without a user name or password.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to your name located in the upper right corner and select Benefit Summary.
3. In the “My Health” section, under “Medical,” click “View Details.” This will cause a pop-up window to appear.
4. Under “Plan Selected” it will show if you and/or your covered spouse earned the Live Life Well Incentive.
5. The election information section will show a bi-weekly (for employees) and monthly (for retirees) contribution amount for 2025. 
6. PLEASE NOTE: The LLW Incentive for active employees is displayed as a bi-weekly credit amount because employees pay their contributions through bi-weekly payroll deductions.  For Retirees, the LLW Incentive will display on the Open Enrollment Benefit Summary as a monthly credit. 
   • The following example amounts are how much you could have earned for 2025 (must have completed LLW Activities by October 31, 2024). Remember that the LLW Incentive for the 2025 Plan Year is still $30 per month.
   • Example: 
     • If you are an active employee and you earned the LLW Incentive, the Benefit Summary would display a $15 bi-weekly If you and a spouse/domestic partner earned the LLW Incentive, it will show as a $30 bi-weekly credit.
     • If you are a retiree and you earned the LLW Incentive, the Benefit Summary would display a $30 monthly If you and a spouse/domestic partner earned the LLW Incentive, it will show as a $60 monthly credit. 

If your LLW Incentive was not applied properly, contact HCBD immediately.

Q: I need an exception or accommodation to participate in the Live Life Well Incentive Program.  What should I do?
A: The State Plan offers the LLW incentive program to all enrolled employees (for the purpose of this disclaimer employees includes active employees, retirees, legislators, and primary COBRA participants) and their enrolled spouse/domestic partner.

If you choose to participate in the LLW incentive program, you will be asked to complete a voluntary health risk assessment that asks questions about your health-related activities and whether you have or had certain medical conditions (e.g. cancer, diabetes, or heart disease). You will also be asked to obtain a voluntary blood test for certain conditions (e.g. cholesterol). If you choose to participate, you will receive a reduction in your bi-weekly employee contribution. If you are unable to participate in any of the health-related activities of the LLW incentive program, you may qualify for a reasonable accommodation to earn the incentive. To request an accommodation, contact the Health Care & Benefits Division (HCBD) at (800) 287-8266, TTY (406) 444-1421, or email benefitsquestions@mt.gov. 

The information collected from your health-related activities will be used to help you understand your current health and potential risks and to offer you services.

We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your personally identifiable health information. For more information, review the Plan’s Notice of Practices at:  benefits.mt.gov/_docs/Resources/Notice-of-Privacy-Practices-10.2024.pdf. 

State-sponsored Health Screening Questions

Q: What is a State-sponsored Health Screening?
A: A State-sponsored health screening includes measurements as described below at an on-site event at a Montana Health Center or off-site event operated by eHealthScreenings (a Premise Health company). A State-sponsored Health Screening is a benefit for ALL plan members (including Medicare-eligible retirees) once per State Plan year. All personal information is protected by HIPAA.

• Health Screenings are provided in a private, comfortable environment. If you have any concerns, please communicate them to the health screening staff when you check in.
  • You will need to complete the Incentive Authorization/Consent form.
• State-sponsored Health Screenings take about 10 minutes.
• Please do not bring children or other guests unless absolutely necessary.
• Staff will draw your blood, do a height and weight measurement, and take your blood pressure.
  • You may request that staff measure your waist circumference. This measurement is optional. Visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website for more information on what waist circumference and BMI tell you about your health.

Included with your State-sponsored Health Screening is a Lipid Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Complete Blood Count (CBC).

You may add some additional tests, however; there are differences between additional test availability at an on-site and an off-site screening.  The following applies to all State Plan members, including Medicare retirees.

• At any health screening event (On-site and off-site) – you may request to have the following tests added at the same time as your State-sponsored Health Screening labs if recommended by your provider. Contact your provider for any questions about these tests. 
  • A1C
  • PSA (men only)
  • TSH
• On-site screening at a Montana Health Center – If you have lab (blood) tests in addition to the three listed above, most can be added if you bring a prescription/doctor's orders with you to your on-site health screening.
  • Lab orders from an outside provider MUST include a fax number, otherwise the health center staff will not be able to process the lab order.
  • Outside provider lab orders completed at a Montana Health Center must be viewed through LabCorp instead of the Premise website.  LabCorp will also share the results directly with the ordering provider.
  • Results from outside provider lab orders completed at a Montana Health Center will NOT be included in your health screening results or on the Premise web site. 
  • An "outside provider" is any provider that does not work at the Montana Health Centers (operated by Premise Health).
  • Click here for directions on how to access your results on the LabCorp portal.

Visit healthcenter.mt.gov/Health-Screenings for complete health screening details including how to make an appointment, how to access your results, and more.

Q:  How do I sign up for a State-sponsored Health Screening?
A: Visit our website at healthcenter.mt.gov/Health-Screenings to learn how to make an appointment.

Q: How do I get my State-sponsored health screening if I don’t live near a Montana Health Center?
A: The State Plan uses eHealthScreenings (a Premise Health company) to provide off-site health screenings in many Montana cities and towns. Visit healthcenter.mt.gov/Health-Screenings to see a schedule of off-site State-sponsored health screenings near you.  This schedule is posted by the end of January each Plan year. 

Q: How should I prepare for my State-sponsored health screening?
A: Appointments are required, so make your State-sponsored health screening appointment as soon as possible. 

Health Screening DO'S

• Do drink plenty of water in the 24 hours prior to your screening.
• Continue to take prescription medications. If you have a condition that makes it difficult to fast, please consult with your provider before fasting.
• Do wear clothing with loose fitting sleeves to the screening.
• If you are diabetic or pregnant: Schedule your appointment earlier in the morning so fasting time does not extend late into the morning. If there is any reason why it may not be appropriate to fast, please contact your Health Plan for assistance.
• It is okay to brush your teeth prior to the screening.

Health Screening DON'TS

• If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment for any reason, please be courteous and cancel your appointment as soon as you know you won't be able to make it. 
• Don't attend your appointment if you are sick. 
• Don’t eat or drink food or beverages other than water and black coffee 12 hours prior to your screening.
• Don’t exercise strenuously 12 hours prior to your screening.
• Please do not bring children or other guests unless absolutely necessary.

Q: What is the Incentive Consent/Program Employee Notice and Authorization Form?
A: The Incentive Program Employee Notice and Authorization is a form required by Premise Health/eHealthScreenings that authorizes them to disclose your participation of the State-sponsored Health Screening to Medikeeper.  If you do not sign this form (once every 5 years for on-site screenings at a Montana Health Center, once per year for off-site screenings with eHealthScreenings) your State-sponsored health screening will not show in Medikeeper and you will not be able to earn the Live Life Well Incentive. Premise Health, eHealthScreenings, and Medikeeper are bound by the same confidentiality requirements as the Health Care & Benefits Division.

Q: What labs and vitals are included?
A: Lab tests included in every State-sponsored health screening are: Lipid Profile, Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Complete Blood Count (CBC).  A State-sponsored health screening does NOT include a nicotine (cotinine) test, nicotine status must be self-reported as part of earning the Live Life Well Incentive.  A health screening visit also includes a height and weight measurement, waist circumference (upon a member’s request), and a blood pressure reading.  Additional lab tests may be able to be included, please continue to the next question.

Q: Can I have additional lab tests performed at the same time my State-sponsored screening is completed?
A: Yes.  However, there are differences between additional test availability at an on-site and an off-site screening.

Included with your State-sponsored Health Screening is a Lipid Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Complete Blood Count (CBC).

• On-site screenings at the Montana Health Center – in addition to the Lipid Panel, CMP and CBC, you may request to have the most lab tests (blood) added at the same time as your State-sponsored Health Screening labs if you bring a prescription/doctor's orders with you to your on-site health screening.  For off-site events, please review the off-site section below.
  • Lab orders from an outside provider MUST include a fax number, otherwise the health center staff will not be able to process the lab order.
  • Outside provider lab orders completed at a Montana Health Center must be viewed through LabCorp instead of the Premise website.  LabCorp will also share the results directly with the ordering provider.
  • Results from outside provider lab orders completed at a Montana Health Center will NOT be included in your health screening results or on the Premise web site. 
  • An "outside provider" is any provider that does not work at the Montana Health Centers (operated by Premise Health).
  • Click here for directions on how to access your results on the LabCorp portal.
• NEW: Off-site screenings with eHealthScreenings (not at a Montana Health Center) - In addition to the Lipid Panel, CMP, and CBC:
  • members who are male and the age 50 or older will receive the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test;
  • all members the age of 35 or older will receive a Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test; and,
  • all members whose blood glucose is 111 or higher as detected in the CMP drawn the same day will receive a Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) test. 
  • No additional tests can be added at off-site events. 
  • Doctor's orders are no longer required to include these tests at off-site events; you must meet the criteria listed above to include these tests at the off-site events. For on-site events, please review the on-site section, above.

Q: How do I access my State-sponsored screening results?
A: Follow the directions based on if you completed an on-site or off-site State-sponsored Health Screening.

• On-site screenings completed at a Montana Health Center
  • Default: Online-only delivery — Full report and results loaded into MyPremiseHealth.com within 7 days of a State-sponsored Health Screening.
  • Opt-in: Online and mailed delivery* — Full report and results loaded into MyPremiseHealth.com within 7 days of a State-sponsored Health Screening AND the snapshot (2-page summary) will be mailed to the member within 10 days; the booklet (full results including graphs) will be mailed to the member within 30 days.
  • If you requested additional tests from an outside provider, those lab results must be downloaded from the LabCorp Portal, details in the Lab Tests section below. 
• Off-site screenings completed by eHealthScreenings
  • Members will receive an email when the results are ready.
  • Health screening results take about 7 days to appear on the eHealthScreening portal.
    • Click here for instructions to download your results.
  • Results will also be mailed to participants within 2-3 weeks following the screening. 

Q:  I had an appointment and completed my yearly check-up/labs with my primary care doctor.  Will this count as the required State-sponsored Health Screening?
A: No, you must attend a State-sponsored Health Screenings to be eligible for the Live Life Well Incentive. The State Plan cannot keep track of Health Screenings done at other locations and the screenings completed may not be the same.

Additionally, the same lab services received at your doctor’s office are more expensive for you and more expensive for the State Plan, which impacts us all financially. We recommend and include in the Live Life Well Incentive an Eligible Provider Visit, which is a follow-up with a health care provider after completing a State-sponsored health screening.  Take your State-sponsored Health Screening results to your regular provider for this visit so that labs do not need to be repeated.

Lastly, State-sponsored health screenings provide a valuable way for members to manage their own health, by putting the same health information in their hands year after year.  This provides an excellent way to establish baselines and follow trends in their personal health and build positive relationships with their health care providers.

Q: I am pregnant.  Should I fast for my labs?
A: Some pregnant women should not fast for 10 hours, even if most of those hours are spent sleeping.  Consult with your provider for any concerns you may have, and follow their advice.  If you choose to attend a State-sponsored Health Screening without fasting, make sure you notify the phlebotomist that you are pregnant and have chosen not to fast.  This will affect your results, so be sure to discuss them with your provider.  If there is a medical reason you cannot complete a State-sponsored Health Screening, then an exception may be available to you.  Please contact HCBD for more information.

We highly recommend all pregnant women covered by the State Plan download and use the Ovia mobile apps.  These mobile apps are designed to help you and your baby stay healthy during your pregnancy.  Click here for more information about Prenatal Benefits available to you including the Ovia mobile app: benefits.mt.gov/Live-Life-Well/Prenatal-Benefits. 

Q: How is the information gathered during this process used?
A: Any personal health information gathered as part of earning a Live Life Well Incentive is protected by and will be treated consistent with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.  A copy of the Plan’s privacy notice is available upon request by calling (800) 287-8266, TTY (406) 444-1421, or on the HCBD website at https://benefits.mt.gov/_docs/Resources/Notice-of-Privacy-Practices-10.2024.pdf. 

Q: How is the health risk assessment questionnaire different from a State-sponsored Health Screening?
A: The health risk assessment questionnaire is often confused with the State-sponsored Health Screening, but it is not the same thing.  A State-sponsored health screening is a blood draw and vitals check, as described previously in these FAQs.  A health risk assessment questionnaire is a series of questions about your health.  Completion of a health risk assessment questionnaire is not required to earn a Live Life Well Incentive.  However, it is a valuable tool that the State Plan makes available to its members.  You have access to two different health assessment questionnaires.  The first is at the same time as your State-sponsored health screening.  These questions are asked by the Montana Health Centers (who are performing the State-sponsored health screening for you) to assist if you choose to visit a Montana Health Center in the future.  Though it asks questions about nicotine use, it is not the same as self-reporting nicotine free. These questions are voluntary and NOT part of the State-sponsored Health Screening.

A second, more robust health assessment questionnaire is available on the Medikeeper portal, which is also where you will self-report and/or check the status of your Live Life Well Incentive Activities.  Please note that the health assessment questionnaire available on the Medikeeper portal is different than self-reporting in the portal to earn the Live Life Well Incentive.  You can access the portal at LiveLifeWellMT@medikeeper.com.

Nicotine Free Questions

Q: What constitutes Nicotine Free?
A: You can consider yourself Nicotine Free if you meet the criteria in the bullets below.  This must be self-reported – see instructions under “How do I self-report my Live Life Well Incentive Activities,” below.

• You are Nicotine Free if you have never used nicotine, have quit using nicotine, use only FDA-approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), or infrequently use nicotine (less than 4x per month).
• You are Nicotine Free if you are currently using nicotine but HAVE completed an eligible alternative (nicotine cessation program or a nicotine counseling session with a medical provider) during the past 12 months.

Q: What constitutes a Nicotine User?
A: You are a nicotine user if you are currently using nicotine and HAVE NOT completed an eligible alternative (nicotine cessation program or a nicotine counseling session with a medical provider) during the past 12 months. 

Q: Where can I get information about nicotine cessation programs?
A:  Visit benefits.mt.gov under the “Live Life Well” pull-down menu, and then under “Wellness Programs,” or go directly to benefits.mt.gov/Live-Life-Well/Wellness-Programs/Tobacco-Cessation.

Q: What is a nicotine education session?
A: A nicotine education session is an appointment with your primary care provider specifically for the purpose of discussing your nicotine status.  If you schedule an appointment expressly for this purpose at a participating provider, there is no additional out-of-pocket cost for this appointment.

Q: How do I self-report my Live Life Well (LLW) Incentive Activities (including nicotine status)?
A:  To earn the LLW Incentive, you must complete and self-report (as applicable) all three LLW Incentive Activities by October 31, 2025.

1. Visit LiveLifeWellMT@medikeeper.com.
2. You must create an account on our wellness portal, Medikeeper. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your BlueCross & BlueShield of Montana medical benefits ID card. Covered spouses or domestic partners must make their own account using their personal information.
3. Once you have created your account and logged in to Medikeeper, click on “Keep Earning More.” This is a small button on the top banner on the Medikeeper home page.   You can also click on “Incentive & Rewards,” but it takes a few more clicks to get there.
4. Click “View Program” located at the bottom right of the incentive program details.
5. Click the “+” icon located to the right of the activity you’d like to complete.
6. Follow the prompts. Once you are done, you can confirm by checking that the Activity now says, “Complete” rather than “Incomplete.”  You have completed all three activities once you have earned 3 points.
   • Remember that your State-sponsored Health Screening will automatically appear on the Medikeeper portal about a week after your screening is complete.
7. LLW Incentive Activities self-reported from November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025 will count towards earning a LLW Incentive that will begin in 2026.
8. As of November 1, 2024, if you want to check what you have earned towards a Live Life Well Incentive on your benefit contributions that will begin on January 1, 2025, you will need to access the State Plan’s online benefits system at mt.gov.  You can find instructions for that under the previous answer to, “How can I verify I am receiving the Live Life Well Incentive for the 2025 Plan Year.”
9. Call Medikeeper at (888) 721-9231 for help with your account or using the Medikeeper website.

Q: Can I refuse to self-report my nicotine status/completion of an alternative and still earn the rest of my Live Life Well Incentive?
A: No.  Along with completing a State-sponsored health screening and self-reporting that you have completed an Eligible Provider Visit, you must self-report if you are nicotine free or have completed an alternative (as described previously) to earn the Live Life Well Incentive.

Q: How will my confidential information be shared with HCBD so they may administer my Live Life Well Incentive correctly?
A: Any personal health information gathered as you earn the Live Life Well Incentive Program is protected by and will be treated consistent with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.  A copy of the Plan’s privacy notice is available by request by calling (800) 287-8266 or on the HCBD website at https://benefits.mt.gov/_docs/Resources/Notice-of-Privacy-Practices-10.2024.pdf. 

Eligible Provider Visit Questions

Q: What is an Eligible Provider Visit?
A: An Eligible Provider Visit is an annual physical examination appointment with a medical provider.  It is usually done in-person. Exceptions to this are very rare, as virtual visits do not normally allow the provider to adequately complete a physical examination.  This is not an acute or urgent care visit (i.e. cold, flu, or injury), it is an annual checkup.

• This type of appointment will usually take 45 minutes to an hour. 
• Any kind of medical provider is acceptable, from a nurse practitioner to a specialist, depending on who is most appropriate for your health needs. Choose a medical provider (such as a Montana Health Center provider) that best fits your needs.
• This visit will include a complete physical examination based on your age, gender, and other factors. You and your provider will decide exactly what is included in your appointment based on your health needs. 
• This visit may include a discussion of your health screening results - it is not an appointment to only review health screening results.  If your results are available, please bring them along so your provider can review the results with you during the appointment.
• During the visit, your provider may renew your prescription for medication you take every day.
• During the visit, be prepared to talk with your provider about any health concern or needs you have. Your provider can refer you for behavioral health, counseling, physical therapy, specialists, and more. Keep in mind that your regular benefits apply to this visit and any additional services beyond the provider’s time may incur extra expense. Remember, if you are in a Montana Health Center area, all services provided at the health center are at no additional charge!

Q: How do I self-report my Live Life Well (LLW) Incentive Activities (including my Eligible Provider Visit)?
A:  To earn the LLW Incentive, you must complete and self-report (as applicable) all three LLW Incentive Activities by October 31, 2025.

1. Visit LiveLifeWellMT@medikeeper.com.
2. You must create an account on our wellness portal, Medikeeper. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your BlueCross & BlueShield of Montana medical benefits ID card. Covered spouses or domestic partners must make their own account using their personal information.
3. Once you have created your account and logged in to Medikeeper, click on “Keep Earning More.” This is a small button on the top banner on the Medikeeper home page.   You can also click on “Incentive & Rewards,” but it takes a few more clicks to get there.
4. Click “View Program” located at the bottom right of the incentive program details.
5. Click the “+” icon located to the right of the activity you’d like to complete.
6. Follow the prompts. Once you are done, you can confirm by checking that the Activity now says, “Complete” rather than “Incomplete.”  You have completed all three activities once you have earned 3 points.
   • Remember that your State-sponsored Health Screening will automatically appear on the Medikeeper portal about a week after your screening is complete.
7. LLW Incentive Activities self-reported from November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025 will count towards earning a LLW Incentive that will begin in 2026.
8. As of November 1, 2024, if you want to check what you have earned towards a Live Life Well Incentive on your benefit contributions that will begin on January 1, 2025, you will need to access the State Plan’s online benefits system at mt.gov.  You can find instructions for that under the previous answer to, “How can I verify I am receiving the Live Life Well Incentive for the 2025 Plan Year.”
9. Call Medikeeper at (888) 721-9231 for help with your account or using the Medikeeper website.

Q: What proof do I need that I completed an Eligible Provider Visit?
A: A random sample of members may be required to provide verification of the Live Life Well Incentive Activities they self-reported. If you or your spouse/domestic partner is selected for the sample, you must fax, mail or email the requested documentation to HCBD. It is a good idea to gather the information as you complete Live Life Well Incentive Activities and keep it in case you are selected for verification. For example, obtain and keep the following:

• A provider’s note verifying your appointment date; or,
• A print-out of your completed appointment from the Montana Health Center or your provider’s office;
• An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing the date of the visit; or,
• Another form of acceptable verification as determined by HCBD.
• If verification is asked of you, HCBD will work with you to find acceptable documentation.

Q: Why does the State Plan ask me to complete an Eligible Provider Visit as part of earning a Live Life Well Incentive?
A: HCBD worked closely with the Wellness Committee to evaluate the Live Life Well Incentive Program.  The Wellness Committee included representatives from nine State agencies.  The committee reviewed feedback from State Plan members, surveys, State of Montana employee values, health screening data, incentive programs from other states and organizations, and more.  The Committee found that State Plan members value the Live Life Well Incentive but wanted it to be simplified.  State Plan members also felt that an annual check up was valuable and the best way to maintain and improve overall health.  The Eligible Provider Visit both simplifies the Incentive and makes it more applicable to each member’s personal health needs.

Q: I need an exception or accommodation to participate in the Live Life Well Incentive Program.  What should I do?
​A: The State Plan offers the LLW incentive program to all enrolled employees (for the purpose of this disclaimer employees includes active employees, retirees, legislators, and primary COBRA participants) and their enrolled spouse/domestic partner.

If you choose to participate in the LLW incentive program, you will be asked to complete a voluntary health risk assessment that asks questions about your health-related activities and whether you have or had certain medical conditions (e.g. cancer, diabetes, or heart disease). You will also be asked to obtain a voluntary blood test for certain conditions (e.g. cholesterol). If you choose to participate, you will receive a reduction in your bi-weekly employee contribution. If you are unable to participate in any of the health-related activities of the LLW incentive program, you may qualify for a reasonable accommodation to earn the incentive. To request an accommodation, contact the Health Care & Benefits Division (HCBD) at (800) 287-8266, TTY (406) 444-1421, or email benefitsquestions@mt.gov. 

The information collected from your health-related activities will be used to help you understand your current health and potential risks and to offer you services.

We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your personally identifiable health information. For more information, review the Plan’s Notice of Practices at:  benefits.mt.gov/_docs/Resources/Notice-of-Privacy-Practices-10.2024.pdf. 

Q: My question was not answered here or was not answered completely. Who should I contact?
A: For any other questions, please contact HCBD at (406) 444-7462; (800) 287-8266; TTY (406) 444-1421; or benefitsquestions@mt.gov.