Complying
With the New GINA Regulations Governing Wellness Programs
to
be Subject of New Audio Webcast
January
14, 2010 At 1:30 PM EDT
MANASQUAN, NJ --
December 31, 2009:
In response to much confusion and mis-information surrounding the new
GINA regulations, “Complying With the New GINA Regulations
Governing Wellness Programs” a special audio webcast, has
been scheduled for Thursday, January 14 at 1:30 pm EDT.
The rules governing the GINA regulations were published by the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the federal
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.)
The regulations specifically apply to group health plans and health
insurance issuers for plan years beginning on and after December 7,
2009.
Workplace wellness professionals have expressed concern about complying
with the GINA regulations.
Many wellness programs are part of a group health
plan where
the
program reward is in the form of a premium or cost-sharing reduction,
rather than a cash payment, according to the Jackson/Louis law firm.
The law firm cited as an example a program may provide that if a
participant takes a health risk assessment (HRA), he or she would
be rewarded with a premium discount or waiver of a
deductible. The new GINA regulations adds to the legal
challenges these programs already face, according to Jackson Lewis.
The regulations prohibit discrimination by health insurers and
employers based on individuals' genetic information. This
includes the results of genetic tests to determine whether someone is
at
increased risk of acquiring a condition (such as some forms of breast
cancer) in the future as well as an individual's family medical
history," said the EEOC.
Essentially, the rule is aimed to help ensure "that genetic
information is not use adversely in determining healthcare coverage and
will encourage more individuals to participate in genetic testing,
which can help better identify and prevent certain illnesses," said
HHS.
Presenter for “Complying With the New GINA Regulations
Governing Wellness Programs” will be Joseph Lynett, attorney,
with the Jackson Lewis law firm, who will provide the pertinent details
surrounding the GINA regulations and how it affects wellness programs
and certain group health plans.
Make plans now to listen in on what promises to be an informative
session surrounding these new regulations and the impact on wellness
programs, employer health benefits, health plan wellness programs, and
incentive rewards.
For complete details visit:
http://www.healthresourcesonline.com/edu/GINA.htm
Address: The Managed Care Information
Center, 1913 Atlantic Ave., Ste. 200, Manasquan, NJ 08736;
(732) 292-1100, www.themcic.com.
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