Health Risk Appraisal as a requirement for enrollment in health plan

[Guest Karen Renee]

We want to encourage our employees to take advantage of the health screenings in our Wellness Program. Even though we pay them a certain dollar amount to take the exam and a discount on their insurance premium if they pass, we still have low participation. Is it legal to make them take the screening before they can enroll in the plan and then once a year to stay in the plan? We obviously don't get the results by name and their enrollment wouldn't be based on whether or not they passed, just whether or not they took the test. If that isn't an option, what other suggestions are there to increase participation?

Thanks, Karen

[Guest Charles Day]

I would doubt if requiring the screening test has a legal basis but would certainly recommend consulting attorney for such a legal issue. With regards to increasing participation perhaps some sort of material incentive (savings bond, cash, etc.) for each employee participating should improve the level of those participating.

[This message has been edited by Charles Day (edited 05-22-99).]