SelectHealth, the healthcare insurance arm of Salt Lake City’s Intermountain Healthcare, has instituted an incentive for its Utah customers to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Beginning Aug. 26, SelectHealth members on Utah contracts who have not been previously vaccinated, who meet eligibility criteria, and who complete either one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines began receiving a $100 incentive.
“SelectHealth recognizes the significant stress COVID-19 continues to place on our members and our communities. As a health plan and a part of Intermountain Healthcare, we are urging people to get vaccinated to help slow the spread of the disease,” the company said in a release.
“Extensive testing has shown that vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID-19. Vaccines help your body build immunity against viruses by teaching it to recognize pathogens that pose a threat to your health. The COVID-19 vaccine completed all the required stages of clinical trials and has been reported to be more than 90 percent effective at preventing the virus and helping to reduce severe illness,” the statement continued.
“We want our communities to realize that we truly value their health. This incentive is intended to encourage completion of the COVID vaccine so that we can all live the healthiest lives possible,” said Dr. Russ Kuzel, SelectHealth chief medical officer.
SelectHealth reminded its members that vaccinations for COVID-19 are available at no cost and encouraged Utahns to talk to their healthcare providers and discuss their concerns.
“We support the guidance of medical professionals and encourage our members and communities to get vaccinated,” SelectHealth said.
