New EEOC Requirements for Wellness Programs

New Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules require employers subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act—generally those with 15 or more employees—who offer employee wellness programs to comply with additional requirements.

Beginning January 1, 2017, employers must follow new rules including reasonable design standards, voluntary participation standards, incentive caps, confidentiality requirements, and notice requirements.

The new notice requirements apply to all employees currently enrolled in a wellness program prior to the completion of a health assessment, by the first day of their 2017 plan year, and then annually at renewal.

This notice must also be provided to new employees throughout the year.

If your company offers a wellness program outside of CBIA Health Connections, a sample notice may be found here.

More Information

• EEOC’s Final Rule on Employer Wellness Programs and Title I of the ADA
• Sample Notice for Employer-Sponsored Wellness Programs
• Q & A: Sample Notice for Employees Regarding Employer Wellness Programs
• Small Business Fact Sheet: Final Rule on Employer Wellness Programs and Title I of the ADA