EEOC Abandons the Incentives Sections of their Final Wellness Regulations

APPLIES TO

All Employers

EFFECTIVE

January 1, 2019

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

Effective January 1, 2019, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) removed the incentives section of its final regulations on wellness programs under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC regulations previously addressed how the ADA and GINA applied to employee health and wellness programs, including set limits on incentives that could be offered by wellness programs (e.g., for submitting to a wellness medical exam).

In light of the EEOC’S actions, employers are now faced with limited guidance on how financial incentives may be offered as part of their wellness programs.  The EEOC stated new proposed regulations may be forthcoming, but are unlikely to be released before June 2019. Employers should review wellness programs with legal counsel and look for the EEOC’s updated guidance in the future.

Action Items

  1. Have wellness programs reviewed for compliance.
  2. Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

© 2019 ManagEase

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply