Proposed Legislation May Actually Pay Employers to Offer Wellfit Advantage!

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Encourage Employee Wellness Programs Apr 6, 2009 Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) are sponsoring the reintroduction of the Healthy Workforce Act, which encourages businesses to provide healthier work environments for employees, AHA News Now reports. 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; and 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 (AHA News Now, 4/2/09; Office of Rep. Earl Blumenauer release, 4/2/09; Library of Congress Web site, 7/9/07)