Wellness Programs in ESOP Companies After the Affordable Care Act

The combination of a rising interest in workplace health programs, efforts to contain ever-increasing health insurance premiums, and now the advent of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act have combined to bring wellness programs to the attention of businesses across the U.S. These programs are of particular interest in ESOP companies, where stock ownership through the plan is often combined with a corporate culture of openness, shared effort, and shared rewards that is conducive to a variety of innovative structures. This publication explores key elements of successful programs, results of nationwide research studies on the topic, and current legal issues such as the effect of the Affordable Care Act.