§ 33-24-59.13 - Exemptions from certain unfair trade practices for certain wellness and health improvement programs; incentives

O.C.G.A. 33-24-59.13 (2010)
33-24-59.13. Exemptions from certain unfair trade practices for certain wellness and health improvement programs; incentives


(a) An insurer issuing comprehensive, major medical group, or individual health insurance benefit plans may, in keeping with federal requirements, offer wellness or health improvement programs, including voluntary wellness or health improvement programs that provide for rewards or incentives, including, but not limited to, merchandise, gift cards, debit cards, premium discounts or rebates, contributions towards a member's health savings account, modifications to copayment, deductible, or coinsurance amounts, or any combination of these incentives, to encourage participation in such wellness or health improvement programs and to reward insureds for participation in such programs.

(b) The offering of such rewards or incentives to insureds under such wellness or health improvement programs shall not be considered an unfair trade practice under Code Section 33-6-4 if such programs are filed with the Commissioner and made a part of the health insurance master policy and certificates or the individual health insurance evidence of coverage as a policy amendment, endorsement, rider, or other form of policy material as agreed upon by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall be authorized to develop an automatic or expedited approval process for review of such wellness or health improvement programs, including those programs already approved under the laws and regulations of other states.