California Health Underwriters is alerting members toSenate Bill 189 (Monning).It would ban all wellness programs until 2020 unless they meet a number of restrictive conditions. A health plan could not offer an incentive or reward under a group health care service plan contract or group health insurance policy unless it met these requirements:
Incentives can only include rewards for participation that are not linked to premiums, deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
- A program that reimburses all or part of the cost for memberships in a fitness center.
- A diagnostic testing program that provides a reward for participation, but does not base any part of the reward on outcomes.
- A program rewards people for attending a health education seminar as long as participation is not related to a particular health condition or any other health status factor.
The state notes that PPACA prohibits a carrier from requiring a person to pay a greater premium or contribution based on a health status-related factor. Senator Bill Monning said, “There is growing concern among consumer advocates that wellness programs could become a subterfuge for discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions…Wellness incentives should be about making people healthier, not pricing insurance premiums based on pre-existing conditions…” The intent of SB 189 is supported by AARP, American Cancer Society Action Network, American Heart Association, California Black Health Network, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, Consumers Union, Health Access, Greenlining Institute, and Prevention Institute.
According to a CAHU statement, “As health care coverage specialists, you know the value of wellness programs and positive impact they have on the lives and affordability. CAHU is asking you to join with other licensed insurance agents and their clients in letting your state Senator know you oppose SB 189.” Click here to oppose SB 189.