Loopholes > Federal > Wellness Program Premium Discounts and Rebates
DEDUCTION MEDIUM SAVINGS EMPLOYER

Wellness Program Premium Discounts and Rebates

IRC §9802

Employers can reduce their health plan costs and employee contributions by establishing programs of health promotion and disease prevention that offer premium discounts, rebates, or modified copayments/deductibles.

Eligibility

Available to group health plans that implement wellness programs adhering to specific health promotion and disease prevention criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Wellness Program Premium Discounts and Rebates?

Available to group health plans that implement wellness programs adhering to specific health promotion and disease prevention criteria.

How does the Wellness Program Premium Discounts and Rebates work?

Employers can reduce their health plan costs and employee contributions by establishing programs of health promotion and disease prevention that offer premium discounts, rebates, or modified copayments/deductibles.

What law authorizes the Wellness Program Premium Discounts and Rebates?

The Wellness Program Premium Discounts and Rebates is authorized under IRC §9802 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).

Statutory Text — IRC §9802

Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code

§ 9802. Prohibiting discrimination against individual participants and beneficiaries based on health status(a) In eligibility to enroll(1) In generalSubject to paragraph (2), a group health plan may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan based on any of the following factors in relation to the individual or a dependent of the individual:(A) Health status. (B) Medical condition (including both physical and mental illnesses). (C) Claims experience. (D) Receipt of health care. (E) Medical history. (F) Genetic information. (G) Evidence of insurability (including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence). (H) Disability. (2) No application to benefits or exclusionsTo the extent consistent with section 9801, paragraph (1) shall not be construed—(A) to require a group health plan to provide particular benefits (or benefits with respect to a specific procedure, treatment, or service) other than those provided under the terms of such plan; or (B) to prevent such a plan from establishing limitations or restrictions on the amount, level, extent, or nature of the benefits or coverage for similarly situated individuals enrolled in the plan or coverage. (3) ConstructionFor purposes of paragraph (1), rules for eligibility to enroll under a plan include rules defining any applicable waiting periods for such enrollment. (b) In premium contributions(1) In generalA group health plan may not require any individual (as a condition of enrollment or continued enrollment under the plan) to pay a premium or contribution which is greater than such premium or contribution for a similarly situated individual enrolled in the plan on the basis of any factor described in subsection (a)(1) in relation to the individual or to an individual enrolled under the plan as a dependent of the individual. (2) ConstructionNothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed—(A) to restrict the amount that an employer may be charged for coverage under a group health plan except as provided in paragraph (3); or (B) to prevent a group health plan from establishing premium discounts or rebates or modifying otherwise applicable copayments or deductibles in return for adherence to programs of health promotion and disease prevention. (3) No group-based discrimination on basis of genetic information(A) In generalFor purposes of this section, a group health plan may not adjust premium or contribution amounts for the group covered under such plan on the basis of genetic information.

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