Are wellness programs allowed under HIPAAs nondiscrimination rules?
The HIPAA nondiscrimination provisions generally prohibit group health plans from charging similarly situated individuals different premiums or contributions or imposing different deductible, copayment or other cost sharing requirements based on a health factor. However, there is an exception that allows plans to offer wellness programs. If none of the conditions for obtaining a reward under a wellness program are based on an individual satisfying a standard related to health factor, or if no reward is offered, the program complies with the nondiscrimination requirements (assuming participation in the program is made available to all similarly situated individuals).
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- Are wellness programs allowed under HIPAAs nondiscrimination rules?