Employees are increasingly being asked to undergo medical tests, exercise and participate in disease management programs to qualify for premium or deductible discounts, according to a USA Today report.
Proponents say such plans offer employees a financial incentive to pursue a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking, losing weight and managing chronic health conditions that drive up U.S. healthcare costs. But studies on the plans' effectiveness are inconclusive, and advocates for people with chronic health conditions say tying premium costs to test results could lead to discrimination against those with chronic diseases.
The number of employers that use such health plans increased to 54 percent last year from 49 percent in 2010, and more employers say they plan to implement financial incentives in the future. Big names such as UnitedHealthcare, Hertz, Gannett and Pitney Bowes have already signed on, and more are expected to join up in 2014, when the health law would start allowing employers to offer larger incentives and penalties.
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Proponents say such plans offer employees a financial incentive to pursue a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking, losing weight and managing chronic health conditions that drive up U.S. healthcare costs. But studies on the plans' effectiveness are inconclusive, and advocates for people with chronic health conditions say tying premium costs to test results could lead to discrimination against those with chronic diseases.
The number of employers that use such health plans increased to 54 percent last year from 49 percent in 2010, and more employers say they plan to implement financial incentives in the future. Big names such as UnitedHealthcare, Hertz, Gannett and Pitney Bowes have already signed on, and more are expected to join up in 2014, when the health law would start allowing employers to offer larger incentives and penalties.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
Out of Network Illinois Surgery Center Battles Aetna Over $3.4M in Bills
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MGMA Recommends Staggered Implementation of ICD-10 to HHS