Prevention Matters

The Wall Street Journal reports that recently issued federal guidelines may throw a monkey wrench into the plans of employers who have or are planning to establish wellness rewards programs. The guidelines, aimed at protecting genetic information, prohibit health plans and employers from offering any financial rewards to any worker for participating in a health risk assessment that requests information about their family medical history.

Employers whose health plans aren't in compliance can face fines of up to $500,000. The rules apply to group health insurance with plan years beginning on or after Dec. 7. Employers and insurers have until Jan. 5 to submit comments, which means they could yet be revised.