Today, the Group Insurance Board took a close look at the Well Wisconsin Program. They decided to renew contracts with WebMD for another year to manage services related to chronic conditions, mental health, and overall well-being.
The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) shared two reports about the Well Wisconsin Program. One was an audit of how WebMD has managed the program, and the other was a preliminary assessment of its return on investment. Unfortunately, the program is showing a loss of $0.89 for every dollar invested, and there’s no clear proof that participants have seen better health outcomes.
“ETF recommended the one-year extension to give us time to evaluate and suggest changes to the program,” said Renee Walk, the Director of the Office of Strategic Health Policy. The renewed contracts will start on January 1, 2027. The Board also made minor adjustments to the Well Wisconsin Program’s incentives for 2026 and asked ETF to provide insights on future program options by February.
Insights on High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)
The Board reviewed findings from a long-term study on High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). This research began in 2021, in collaboration with Professor Justin Sydnor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The goal was to compare the costs and usage of HDHP and traditional plans while exploring how education could encourage more people to enroll in HDHPs.
The results showed that people in HDHPs had lower out-of-pocket costs than those in traditional plans, saving over $1,200 for individuals and $2,000 for families annually. This suggests that HDHPs can be a more cost-effective option for many.
The research also assessed how educational initiatives might influence members’ decisions about choosing HDHPs. As a result, ETF plans to enhance awareness about HDHPs, especially among new hires and beyond the open enrollment period.
Benchmarking and Future Changes
The Board’s actuary, Segal Consulting, presented a comparative study for the 2025 plan year. They found that the Group Health Insurance Program (GHIP) offers better benefits and lower costs for members compared to plans in surrounding states, although it’s pricier than what is available through the health insurance marketplace.
Looking ahead, the Board reviewed early plans for benefit and design changes for 2027. These changes could involve clarifications in language and potential increases in cost-sharing options, like deductibles and copays.
To gather more input, ETF will survey members and employers this quarter to understand their preferences regarding health insurance costs.
Additionally, the Board approved a couple of important initiatives:
- Starting the request for proposals to select one or more vendors for the Access Plan and State Maintenance Plan, effective January 1, 2028.
- Modifying the Supplemental Insurance Guidelines for negotiations on supplemental dental plans, effective January 1, 2027.
The next meeting is set for February 25, 2026, where the Board is expected to finalize decisions on the 2027 plan year.
Understanding these changes can help guide individuals and families in choosing the right health insurance options that suit their needs. For more insights into health insurance trends and options, consider exploring reports from reputable sources like the Kaiser Family Foundation.
