Manatee County Government operates a unique self-funded health plan that was implemented back in 2006 and has directly tied preventative care, wellness and health management to plan level eligibility.  Even prior to 2006, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners were forward thinking and invested in services and programs that would help employees and their dependents become healthier and therefore more productive in their work.  A culture of health was created in Manatee County many years ago, and continually, the Board and the Administration support additional initiatives to drive employee health because they believe in,  and our results have proven,  its return on investment. 

The YourChoice Health Plan was created in 2006 where members (employees and their covered dependents) level of reimbursement (i.e. out of pocket expense) in their medical plan was contingent upon their completion of health risk assessments, lab draws, age-based screenings and wellness exams with Physicians.  As members, some for the first time ever, being educated with the realities of their health status, it became even more important for Manatee  County to provide very comprehensive, integrated educational and clinical programs to help members make improvements in their health.