Wellness Programs With Financial Incentives Through Disparities Lens

Abstract

Purpose:

To examine wellness programs with financial incentives and their effect on disparities in preventive care.

Design:

Financial incentives were introduced by 15 large employers, from 2010 to 2013.

Setting:

Fifteen private employers.

Subjects:

A total of 299 436 employees and adult dependents.

Measures:

Preventive services and participation in financial incentives.

Analysis:

Multivariate linear regression.

Results:

Disparities in preventive services widened after introduction of financial incentives. Asians were 3% more likely and African Americans were 3% less likely to receive wellness rewards than whites and non-Hispanics, controlling for other factors.

Conclusion:

Federal law limits targeting of wellness financial incentives by subgroups; thus, employers should consider outreach and culturally appropriate messaging.