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Breakthrough Wellness FAQs
How Wellness Programs Can Interact with Health Insurance Rebates
Health Insurance Rebates
General
The Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rebate is a refund mechanism required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It’s not a direct reward for running a wellness program, but it can provide extra funds if your insurer hasn’t spent enough on medical care and quality improvements.
• How it works: Insurers must spend at least 80% of premiums on medical care for small group plans (85% for large group plans).
• The rebate trigger: If the insurer spends less than this percentage (measured over a three-year average), they must issue a rebate to the policyholder — usually the employer.
Our corporate wellness programs can support the insurer’s “health improvement activities” category, which strengthens the case for using any future rebates for wellness initiatives. Essentially, it helps employers demonstrate that they’re investing in programs that improve employee health and reduce healthcare costs.
These are voluntary programs offered by insurers or employers that provide financial rewards for employees who engage in healthy behaviors.
• How they work: Programs can reward employees for participation (e.g., attending fitness classes) or achieving outcomes (e.g., completing a health screening).
Common incentives include:
• Premium Discounts: Lower monthly health insurance costs for participating in wellness activities.
• HSA/HRA Contributions: Funds added to an employee’s Health Savings Account or Health Reimbursement Arrangement.
• Cash or Gift Cards: Rewards for reaching wellness goals.
Fitness Reimbursements: Reimbursement for gym memberships or fitness classes.
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