Human Resources — Benefits shares four updates about prescription plan 

Human Resources — Benefits is announcing important updates to employee benefits in 2026, including the opportunity to earn an additional wellness incentive — deposited into either health savings accounts or health reimbursement arrangements — and a specialized pricing program for employees who use the GLP-1 Zepbound for weight loss. Additionally, a payment card program in partnership with AffirmedRx and Affirm Inc. that enables individuals to pay for prescriptions over time is being explored for 2026, and the formulary is being evaluated. These enhancements reflect Purdue’s ongoing commitment to overall health and wellness and are a further response to employee feedback and engagement over the past semester.

1. Additional $150 wellness incentive

In 2026, the Healthy Boiler Wellness Program will change names to the Your Path Wellness Program. As part of the program, benefits-eligible employees can earn an additional $150 wellness incentive by completing an online learning module. The module covers Purdue’s medical and prescription plan information and resources, and it encourages continued engagement in understanding and utilizing Purdue’s medical and prescription benefit programs. This is in addition to the wellness incentives already available and announced for 2026.

2026 wellness incentives can be earned Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 and include the required annual physical as well as additional optional incentive opportunities, including completion of the new learning module. Total incentive amounts in 2026 are as follows:

• Individual: up to $700 
• Employee and spouse: up to $700 for each 
• Employee and family: up to $1,400 total
• Employee and children: up to $1,400 total

Additional details about the program and how to access the incentive module will be made available in January.

2. Zepbound Pricing Program

Launching in January 2026, the Zepbound Pricing Program offers substantial savings for members who use the medication. Program highlights include:

• $159 per month for Zepbound
• Required enrollment and engagement in the Center for Healthy Living’s Weight Management Program (unless approved exception is on file)
• No change in pharmacy location is required to receive the reduced $159 monthly cost

This program is designed to increase affordability for members while also ensuring they have access to research-based coaching, regular checkups and support through the Weight Management Program.

3. Exploring additional payment options

In an effort to enhance the current prescription plan and expand members’ access to affordable medications, Purdue has asked AffirmedRx to work directly with Affirm Inc. to evaluate the feasibility of offering a payment card program that would give individuals the ability to pay for their prescriptions over time. Discussions between the organizations are ongoing, but Purdue is hopeful they will reach an agreement that will offer additional financial support and flexibility for members. If approved, the collaboration could result in a prescription payment card program being introduced in 2026.

Affirm Inc. already offers similar payment plans with Carrum Health for medical procedures. The goal is to bring that type of agreement over into pharmacy benefits as well. While the program is not yet finalized, Purdue is committed to ongoing exploration with outside partners in order to increase support for the Purdue community.

4. Evaluating the formulary

As part of the university’s commitment to providing convenient and affordable access to health and wellness resources, Purdue continuously reviews its pharmacy formulary with the goal of identifying opportunities to enhance affordability while maintaining coverage and member support. The evaluation includes reviewing coverage, costs and plan design as well as benchmarking Purdue’s prescription plan and formulary lists with peer institutions and other employers. These ongoing efforts help the university make decisions that support members’ needs year after year.

“We value the feedback we receive from you, and it helps us better understand what’s working and where we can improve,” said Candace Shaffer, associate vice president of benefits and payroll in Human Resources. “Your input was a key component in the development of the two new benefit enhancements we’re introducing for 2026 and will continue to be utilized as we work to further strengthen and expand our benefits and wellness offerings.”

Human Resources — Benefits continues to review data and employee feedback, explore opportunities, and benchmark against other employers to strengthen Purdue’s prescription plan offerings and formulary lists. AffirmedRx patient care advocates continue outreach to individuals affected by formulary changes as well.

More information

More information will be shared as we enter the new year, including detailed FAQs, step-by-step processes and additional guidance to help employees understand and take advantage of these enhancements. Human Resources — Benefits will continue to provide updates via Purdue Today, email and Your Path newsletters.