June 2013 Health Care Reform
Posted on: June 4, 2013Categories: HR & ComplianceFinal Rules on Workplace Wellness Programs Released
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions to encourage appropriately designed, consumer-protective wellness programs in group health coverage. Effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, ACA essentially codifies the existing HIPAA nondiscrimination requirements for health-contingent wellness programs, while also increasing the maximum reward that can be offered under these programs.
On May 29, 2013, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (Departments) released final regulations that generally implement ACA’s nondiscrimination requirements for wellness programs. The final regulations clarify and reorganize the rules outlined in previous proposed regulations and are intended to ensure that, regardless of the type of wellness program, every individual participating in the program should be able to receive the full amount of any reward or incentive, regardless of any health factor.
The regulations apply to both grandfathered and non-grandfathered group health plans and group health insurance coverage for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014.
Additional Resources:
Click here to read the Legislative Brief
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