Employers say a federal law designed to prevent discrimination based on genetics is clashing with methods that entice workers to participate in wellness programs, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which was enacted last year, restricts employers' and health insurers' ability to collect and disclose genetic information and family medical history.
The law conflicts with employers' ability to distribute health care surveys, which some companies use to offer health advice or direct at-risk employees to disease-management programs, according to WSJ. Employers say the law prohibits them from using incentives--including cash or insurance premium reductions--in order to get workers to fill out the surveys.
"Some employers say the law is stymieing their efforts to promote employee wellness because it bars them from offering workers financial incentives to complete health surveys that ask about family history," writes Cari Tuna for WSJ. "Generally, the law prohibits insurers and employers from using genetic information for coverage and employment decisions, such as hiring, firing and promotion."
Supporters of the law say the financial incentives improperly encourage employees to disclose genetic details.
"People should not have to choose between their pocketbooks and participating in a wellness program or a health-risk assessment, particularly in this economy," Jeremy Gruber, executive director of the Council for Responsible Genetics in Cambridge, Mass., tells WSJ.
A recent survey from Principal Financial shows 51 percent of workers believe wellness programs are at least somewhat successful in reducing health care costs. Twenty-six percent say they miss fewer days of work by participating in such programs. And 47 percent of workers surveyed would participate or do participate in wellness programs to achieve better health overall.
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