In response to much confusion and mis-information surrounding the new GINA regulations, “Complying With the New GINA Regulations Governing Wellness Programs” a special audio webcast, took place on Thursday, January 14.
The rules governing the GINA regulations were published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.)
The regulations specifically apply to group health plans and health insurance issuers for plan years beginning on and after December 7, 2009.
Workplace wellness professionals have expressed concern about complying with the GINA regulations.
Many wellness programs are part of a group health plan where the program reward is in the form of a premium or cost-sharing reduction, rather than a cash payment, according to the Jackson/Louis law firm.
The law firm cited as an example a program may provide that if a participant takes a health risk assessment (HRA), he or she would be rewarded with a premium discount or waiver of a deductible. The new GINA regulations add to the legal challenges these programs already face, according to Jackson Lewis.
The regulations prohibit discrimination by health insurers and employers based on an individual's genetic information. This includes the results of genetic tests to determine whether someone is at increased risk of acquiring a condition (such as some forms of breast cancer) in the future as well as individual's family medical history," said the EEOC.
Essentially, the rule is aimed to help ensure "that genetic information is not use adversely in determining healthcare coverage and will encourage more individuals to participate in genetic testing, which can help better identify and prevent certain illnesses," said HHS.
Presenter for “Complying With the New GINA Regulations Governing Wellness Programs” will be Joseph Lynett, attorney, with the Jackson Lewis law firm, who will provide the pertinent details surrounding the GINA regulations and how it affects wellness programs and certain group health plans.
Make plans now to listen in on what promises to be an informative session surrounding these new regulations and the impact on wellness programs, employer health benefits, health plan wellness programs, and incentive rewards.
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