Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Honeywell's Wellness Program Faces Legal Test
The Wall Street Journal: Wellness Program At Honeywell Faces Test
When Honeywell International Inc. recently asked workers to participate in voluntary screenings of their cholesterol, body-mass index and other health measures, it made a persuasive case: Employees who choose not to sit for the screenings—part of the company’s wellness program—could face up to $4,000 in surcharges and lost incentives in 2015. (Weber, 10/29)
Minnesota Public Radio: At Honeywell, Required Biometric And Medical Testing Prompt A Lawsuit
A federal agency is suing Honeywell over new company rules that penalize employees who don't submit to biometric and medical testing. The tests required by the company would measure blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, as well as check for evidence of smoking. Lawyers for the federal agency are asking the court to immediately order the company not to impose any costs on employees who don't take the tests. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission suit filed this week in Minneapolis argues that Honeywell's new policy violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Agency lawyers argue that a company can ask employees to undergo voluntary testing, but it can't impose a penalty on those who decline. (Collins, 10/29)
Meanwhile, the Louisville Journal-Courier reports on a lawsuit by two General Electric retirees regarding the company's decision to drop their health benefits -
USA Today/Louisville Courier-Journal: Retirees Sue GE Over Health Coverage
Two retirees have sued General Electric in federal court alleging that the company violated federal law by dropping its supplemental health coverage and placing retirees in a health care exchange. In a lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the pair allege that GE breached its promise to keep the benefits indefinitely only to announce in September 2012 and last month that the company would drop its Medicare plans and switch non-union retirees to private coverage. (Schneider, 10/29)
