New in 2024, the former U of A wellness program has been replaced by UMR's Live Well Reward$ wellness program. Benefits-eligible employees were notified during 2023's open enrollment period to opt in to the program to be eligible for a lower "classic" and "premier" medical plan maximum out-of-pocket limit. Employees who chose to opt in also received opportunities for rewards by completing wellness activities. Employees who did not opt into the program during open enrollment will have an opportunity to enroll during the 2025 open enrollment period. 

As part of the list of wellness activities, the annual tobacco pledge can now be submitted at umr.com. Employees who complete the pledge and attest to not using tobacco in 2024 will receive 50 wellness points, equating to $50 in rewards from UMR's wellness site to use on gift cards or merchandise from popular brands, stores and restaurants (see "Redeem Points" on the UMR site for gift card choices). 

Steps to Complete the Pledge: 

• Visit member.umr.com and sign in using the credentials created when your account was established. 

• Scroll down the page and click on the "Live Well Reward$" tile. 

• Click the blue "Get Started" button on the right side of the screen. 

• Scroll down the page to "Log Activities & Events" where you will see the "Tobacco/Nicotine Pledge & Notice" and click on the "Record" button. 

• Choose one of three options, check the box to verify the selection and then click "Record" again. 

• You will then receive an "Event Successfully Completed" notice.  

For assistance with completing this process, contact hrbenf@uark.edu or call (479) 575-5351. 

This initiative supports the university's tobacco-free campus policy. According to Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 724.0, the U of A actively seeks to create a campus environment that is completely free of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. The Arkansas Clean Air on Campus Act prohibits smoking on each campus of state-supported institutions of higher education.