Wellness Programs : Lobby groups take aim at wellness programs.

Given the immense growth of wellness programs over the last two years, it was inevitable resistance would creep up among watchdog groups.

In Washington, lobbyists have spearheaded a push for Congress, the DOL and IRS to crack down on “punitive” wellness programs.

Particularly, the groups seek to limit wellness programs in which employees’ share of their healthcare costs are directly tied to their willingness to participate in a wellness program.

HIPAA’s non-discrimination rules prohibit companys from creating negative financial incentives for workers with health risks.

For example, you can’t raise someone’s premium share because he or she smokes. What you are able to do is offer a discount if someone completes a smoking cessation program.

Reason -  the law does allow for financial incentives to employees who willingly take part in health promotion programs.

The watchdog groups seek greater regulation to be sure incentives and discounts are used only as rewards for healthful behavior, not as a thinly veiled form of discrimination against high-risk personnel.