Wellness plans have and continue to be the subject of significant litigation. HIPAA-contingent wellness programs — ones that require engaging in an activity or achieving a wellness goal — are particularly under the microscope. A contingent wellness program must meet the following five criteria:
- It must be reasonably designed to promote health or prevent disease.
- Individuals must have the opportunity to qualify for the program at least once annually.
- Incentive cannot exceed 30% of the cost of individual coverage (30% of applicable family rate if offered to family). The maximum incentive is 50% for tobacco cessation programs.
- The program must be available to all similarly situated individuals, and there must be a reasonable alternative for participation.
- The plan must provide notice and a description of the wellness program and the available alternative.
The reasonable alternative and the full reward are the components being challenged most often. Many of these cases have settled. A recent case, Mehlberg v. Compass Group, is notable because it is not settling.
The court found that plaintiffs had standing to challenge the surcharges and seemingly alleged that the surcharges violated the ERISA fiduciary rules. The court found that the requirement that a participant must be eligible for the full reward of a wellness program and the reward should apply retroactively, relying on the 2013 HIPAA wellness program regulations. Of note is the court’s rejection of the defendants’ Loper Bright argument that wellness program rules are not the best interpretation of the HIPAA non-discrimination rules.
If you sponsor a contingent wellness program, make certain that a reasonable alternative is available and clearly communicated. Also, make certain that if a participant follows the reasonable alternative that the full reward, not just a pro-rated portion of the reward, is made available.
The information contained in this Benefit Beat is not intended to be legal, accounting, or other professional advice, nor are these comments directed to specific situations. This information is provided as general guidance and may be affected by changes in law or regulation. This information is not intended to replace or substitute for accounting or other professional advice. You must consult your own attorney or tax advisor for assistance in specific situations. This information is provided as-is, with no warranties of any kind. CBIZ shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever in connection with its use and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.
© Copyright CBIZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of the material contained herein without the express written consent of the firms is prohibited by law. This publication is distributed with the understanding that CBIZ is not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice. The reader is advised to contact a tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. CBIZ assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this information and assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein. Material contained in this publication is informational and promotional in nature and not intended to be specific financial, tax or consulting advice. Readers are advised to seek professional consultation regarding circumstances affecting their organization.
“CBIZ” is the brand name under which CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including CBIZ Advisors, LLC, provide professional services. CBIZ CPAs P.C. and CBIZ, Inc. (and its subsidiaries) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. CBIZ CPAs P.C. is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities provide tax, advisory, and consulting services to their clients. CBIZ, Inc. and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms and, therefore, cannot provide attest services.