The increase in employee wellness incentives may be the most beneficial element of the health reform law according to employers who responded to a recent Lockton Benefit Group survey.

More than 40 percent of the company’s employer-clients responded to the confidential survey, which asked about the impact of health reform law on their group health plans.  

In 2014, employers will be able to offer an incentive of up to 30 percent of an employee's total healthcare premium, if the employee is doing everything asked to improve his or her health and reduce medical costs.  This is an increase from the 20 percent incentive currently permitted. 

"We know that our employer-clients like the opportunity to reward employees that make healthy lifestyle choices," said Dr. Ian Chuang, Lockton Medical Director and member of the Health Reform Advisory Practice in a press release from the company. "The difference in cost for health insurance for an employee with this incentive can be thousands of dollars annually, depending on the total premium cost. So for the employer, this is a true benefit of the health reform law."

Dr. Chuang noted that savvy employers realize they will ultimately reduce their health insurance costs by addressing the risks leading to illnesses and claims, which will also improve employee productivity. "The incentive program has to be designed to promote health and prevent disease," Dr. Chuang said. "Incentives like this are often key components in the overall Health Risk Management strategies we work closely with our clients to design."