Part of earning a Live Life Well Incentive for 2026 is to self-report that you are Nicotine Free or have completed an eligible Nicotine Free alternative between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025.

You must complete a State-sponsored health screening, self-report your nicotine status, and self-report completion of an Eligible Provider Visit to earn the Live Life Well Incentive in 2026.

Eligible Alternatives Available

If you use nicotine, you can still earn the Live Life Well Incentive if you complete and self-report one of the two eligible alternatives:

• Complete(d) a nicotine cessation program between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025; OR
• Have a nicotine education session with your primary care provider between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025.

Nicotine Cessation Programs
Learn more about no-cost nicotine cessation programs available to State Plan members.  Completing a nicotine cessation program is a good option for members who are ready to quit using nicotine.

Nicotine Education Session
A Nicotine Education Session is an appointment with your provider for the purpose of discussing your nicotine use and possible options.  This is a good option for members who may not be ready to quit using nicotine.  To complete this alternative, schedule an appointment with your provider.

Definitions

Nicotine:  Nicotine is an addictive stimulant proven to have negative health effects that is found in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and most vaping products.  

Nicotine Free

• You may self-report 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). The State Plan offers an exception for religious/ceremonial use.
• You may self-report 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.

Nicotine User

• You are a nicotine user and may not self-report you are Nicotine Free 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.  

Nicotine Test
Your blood will NOT be tested for nicotine as part of your State-sponsored health screening. You can find directions for how to self-report your nicotine status on our main Live LIfe Well web page. 

More Information
Frequently Asked Questions about the Live Life Well Incentive.

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.