As California moves toward implementation of the Affordable Care Act, wellness programs that promote healthy choices to prevent illness are in the spotlight of the latest edition of CalChamber News.

Under the law, federal grants may be available to some small businesses to offset the cost of established wellness programs, and insurance companies must provide wellness services, such as counseling and health screenings, at no extra cost to the employee.

Companies such as Safeway have made the investment and launched a workplace wellness program long ago, encouraging workers to take personal responsibility for their health.

Visit CalChamber.com for the full story, as well as video coverage.

On November 26, 2012, the U.S. departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services published a new proposed rule that would change the HIPAA wellness program regulations. 77 Fed. Reg. 70620

At first glance, it may appear that the proposed rule is very similar to the existing wellness rule. However, a number of changes could have significant impacts on how wellness programs are designed and administered, including: