Can my employer make me getting healthcare benefit contingent on participation in Wellness Program?
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Can my employer make me getting healthcare benefit contingent on participation in Wellness Program?
My employer offers healthcare as a benefit to full time employees. They also participate in a Wellness Program. In order to get the healthcare benefit, employees must participate in Wellness program which includes blood-testing, and a health questionnaire, both held by the employer. Results are then discussed with a rep of the employer and employee, and not sent to employee’s doctor. I have a relationship with my doctor, not with the employer. This seems awfully invasive, and there is no privacy policy signed in conjunction with the paperwork to set up the wellness program. I have no confidence that my medical records, blood tests, or anything on their questionairre will be legal. The main branch of employer is in IN, my branch is in WA.
Asked on May 23, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Yes, your employer may do this. Remember: an employer does not have to provide healthcare as an employee benefit--not all employees get it. If an employer chooses to provide healthcare, the employer has the right to put conditions on it, such as employee participation in a wellness program. If you want the benefit, you hvae to comply with the condition (the wellness program).
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