Know the Issues

Workplace Wellness

• Average employer medical costs increased 72 percent between 2000 and 2006.
• Obesity related health conditions cost employers approximately $33 billion in health care and other indirect costs.
• Studies have reported a proven rate of return on investment from wellness initiatives within 12 to 18 months, ranging from $2 to $10 for each dollar invested. 
• Workplace wellness programs are economical, averaging $30-$200 per employee. 

The Alliance believes the federal government has an important role to play in providing incentives to employers to implement health promotion programs at work.  The Alliance has formed to support legislation that would establish a tax credit for businesses that establish certified wellness programs for their employees.  

Employee wellness programs eligible for the tax credit include those that seek to:

• Raise health awareness through health education and health risk assessments.
• Change behaviors through programs that encourage employees to lead a healthy lifestyle through counseling, seminars or on-line programs.  Programs could include classes on nutrition, stress management, exercise, or smoking cessation. 
• Create a supportive workplace environment to encourage employee participation in wellness programs. This could include offering a meaningful incentive to participating employees, such as a reduction in health insurance premiums.

List of Wellness-Related Legislation in the Current 111th Congress [Under development]

List of Wellness-Related Legislation from the 110th Congress [PDF].