Final Rules For Employer-Based Wellness Programs Allow Higher Premiums For Employees Who Fail To Meet Health Goals

Starting January 1, 2014, employers offering group health insurance plans will be able to charge higher health insurance premiums to workers who do not meet certain health goals, such as reducing their body mass index or lowering cholesterol levels. On June 3, 2013, the federal government released final rules on incentives for non-discriminatory wellness programs in group health plans. The final regulations increase the maximum permissible reward from the current 20% to 30% of the cost of coverage. Specialized wellness programs designed to prevent or reward tobacco use or weight loss can offer employee a reward of up to . . .