Over the past few years, strong opinions have been voiced for and against the use of outcomes-based incentives in connection with worksite wellness initiatives.  As employers attempt to reign in rising health care costs, many are moving toward the use of these incentives tied to health care premiums and/or deductibles.  At the same time, the use of outcomes-based incentives in worksite wellness raises potential legal issues that must be navigated. Employer policies on tobacco use provide a good starting point for understanding the potential effectiveness and legality of workplace wellness programs designed to promote better health and reduce obesity through outcomes-based incentives.  This webinar will provide an interactive discussion of the use of outcomes-based incentives with worksite wellness initiatives and the legal and policy implications of these efforts.

Debbie Hornor, Community Obesity Policy Manager with the American Heart Association, will provide an overview of the role of worksite wellness policies in obesity prevention initiatives.  Laurie Whitsel, Director of Policy Research for the American Heart Association National Center, will discuss a recent collaborative effort among the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and Health Enhancement Research Organization (“HERO”), to provide guidance for employers on the use of outcomes-based incentives. Dr. Whitsel will discuss key issues around the use of outcomes-based incentives including the rationale for why employers are moving towards outcomes-based wellness programs, the economics driving this, the quality of programming offered, and opportunities to understand the impact of extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation for behavior change.

Attorney Chris Banthin from the Public Health Advocacy Institute/Northeastern University School of Law will discuss employers’ tobacco-related policies, and apply the lessons learned to broader workplace wellness programs.  Mr. Banthin will provide guidance on navigating concerns about discrimination, privacy and other legal issues with the use of outcomes-based incentives in worksite wellness initiatives.

Speakers include:

Debbie Hornor, Community Obesity Policy Manager, the American Heart Association

Laurie Whitsel, Ph.D., Director of Policy Research for the American Heart Association National Center

Chris Banthin, Esq., Public Health Advocacy Institute/Northeastern University School of Law

To register for this webinar, click here.