Today, the Group Insurance Board examined the effectiveness of the Well Wisconsin Program. In addition, the Board approved a one-year renewal of the contracts with WebMD for administering chronic condition management, mental health, and well-being services.
The Department of Employee Trust Funds presented two reports on the Well Wisconsin Program, including an audit of WebMD’s administration of the program and a preliminary return and value on investment assessment. The program has a net loss of $0.89 per dollar invested and no clear indication that participants have improved outcomes.
“ETF recommended the one-year contract extension to allow time to further evaluate the program design and propose changes,” said Renee Walk, Director of the Office of Strategic Health Policy. Contracts are effective January 1, 2027.
The Board also approved minor changes to the Well Wisconsin Program’s incentive design for 2026, and asked ETF to bring back analyses on future program design options in February.
HDHP Research and Plan Benchmarking
The results of a multi-year research project on the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) were reviewed by the Board.
In 2021, ETF began a research collaboration with Professor Justin Sydnor, Department Chair of Risk and Insurance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The purpose was to compare utilization and costs of the HDHP and non-HDHP plans and determine how education may increase awareness, decrease skepticism, and encourage members to enroll in the HDHP.
The research found HDHP members had lower total out-of-pocket costs than those in the non-HDHP, when considering both the difference in premiums, initial deductibles, and employer Health Savings Account contributions. HDHP members saved over $1,200 for single coverage and $2,000 for family coverage per year.
The research also explored the impact of education on the likelihood of members to choose an HDHP. Based on the reports, ETF will explore opportunities to increase awareness of the HDHP with new hires and outside of the open enrollment period.
The Board’s actuary, Segal Consulting, presented a benchmarking study of data for the 2025 plan year. The GHIP offers richer benefits and lower costs for members compared to plans in neighboring states. GHIP plans are also more expensive than the health insurance marketplace.
Other Business
The Board reviewed preliminary benefit and plan design changes for the 2027 plan year. Possible agreement and benefit changes include language clarifications and increases to cost sharing (e.g., medical deductibles and visit copays for primary care, specialty care, urgent care, and emergency room services).
ETF will survey members and employers this quarter to better understand their preferences for paying for health insurance.
The Board also approved:
- Initiation of the request for proposals process to select one or more vendors to administer the Access Plan and State Maintenance Plan, effective January 1, 2028
- Modifications to the Supplemental Insurance Guidelines for future contract negotiations for supplemental dental, effective January 1, 2027
The Board’s next meeting is February 25, 2026. The Board is expected to approve benefit and plan design changes for the 2027 plan year.