Proposed Legislation May Actually Pay Employers to Offer Wellness Programs
Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Encourage Employee Wellness Programs
April 6, 2009, ALPHARETTA, GA —SBS, an Alpharetta based employee benefits broker, announced that the reintroduction of the Healthy Workforce Act may provide additional incentives for employers with active wellness programs. “At SBS, we believe one of the best investments an employer can make is in wellness programs. They are one of the few employee benefits that actually produce a positive ROI,” stated Guy Morrison, President of SBS. “Now it appears the ROI could be even higher as employers stand to receive a tax credit for implementing programs like our WellFit Advantage.”
Under the bill co-sponsored by Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) businesses are encouraged to provide healthier work environments for employees. Originally introduced in 2007, the bill provides tax incentives to businesses that offer and promote comprehensive wellness programs for their employees. To receive the tax credit, wellness plans must include at least three of four components, including:
- health risk assessment programs
- behavioral change initiatives on topics such as obesity, tobacco use and fitness
- on-site policies that promote health, such as a smoke-free workplace and nutritious food offerings
- meaningful incentives for employee participation in wellness programs.
The bill was reintroduced and endorsed at the launch of the U.S. Workplace Wellness Alliance, a coalition of more than 75 businesses including the American Hospital Association, the American Heart Association and the National Business Coalition on Health.
SBS introduced WellFit Advantage in 2008 to provide a turn-key wellness program to employers of all sizes. Prior to that, wellness programs were widespread in larger organizations, but were less pervasive among small and mid-sized companies. WellFit Advantage offers these companies programs designed by physicians and wellness authorities that can be customized to fit the individual concerns of each organization.
About SBS
SBS is an Alpharetta based employee benefits broker offering employers a comprehensive approach to controlling the spiraling costs of benefits. Unlike traditional brokers, SBS understands the costs drivers for benefits and works with clients to lower costs using technology, innovative programs and on-site expertise. For more information go to www.sbs-benefits.com or call 678.624.9906.
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