The Affordable Care Act of 2010 will, as of January 1, 2014, expand employers' ability to reward employees who meet health goals by participating in wellness programs--and, in effect, to require employees who don't meet these goals to pay more for their employer-sponsored health coverage. Some consumer advocates argue that this ability to differentiate in health coverage costs among employees is unfair and will amount to employers' policing workers' health.Under health care reform, the potential incentive for employer wellness programs increases to 30 percent of the premium for employee participation in the program or meeting certain health standards. Employers must offer an alternative standard for those employees whom it is unreasonably difficult or inadvisable to meet the standard. Following a governmental study on wellness programs, the incentive may be increased to as much as 50 percent.

This Workplace Wellness issue provides an overview of potential legal issues related to employer-sponsored wellness plans. The list of issues presented in this article is not exclusive. Wellness programs must be carefully structured to comply with both state and federal laws. To avoid noncompliance, employers should have their legal counsel review their wellness programs before they are rolled out to employees.

With restaurant meals and processed foods growing in popularity, the low-sodium diet can often be a hard one to grasp. Many of us are consuming more sodium than ever even if we never use a saltshaker.

Trends in nearly every aspect of life are changing the way wellness programs can engage your employees and bring greater value to your organization.

Companies are beginning to understand that many chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.) can be linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. Employers are starting to see the need for and importance of workplace wellness programs and initiatives. Research has shown that many of these chronic diseases can be prevented through a healthy and balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management. An unhealthy employee not only costs the company more money in terms of health care and insurance costs, but can also be less productive at work due to health problems. Incorporating a fruit and vegetable delivery service to your office is a great way to enhance your wellness program and promote a healthier workforce.

For those of you that missed my Cyber Liability presentation last week at Cabela’s in Dundee, MI last Wednesday, here is your chance to review the MS PowerPoint slides I used to present the class. The class was well attended by 75 licensed insurance agents from around SE Michigan. Attendees earned 3 Continuing Education, CE, credits for attending. If you need CE credits and would be interested in another presentation please send me your email address and I will put you on the list to be notified when my next class will take place. I suspect we will have one in the spring somewhere in SE Michigan. I believe the class was well received by most everyone that attended and I actually still had my voice after speaking for almost 3 hours straight!