HHS finalizes wellness rules under healthcare law

The Health and Human Services Department moved forward Wednesday with new rules for wellness programs offered through employers' healthcare plans. The regulations, which implement part of the Affordable Care Act, have sparked concerns from both employers and congressional Democrats. But HHS left its earlier proposal mostly intact as it published final regulations on employer wellness programs. The rules allow employer health plans to offer rewards to workers who meet certain fitness goals — some as broad as joining a gym, others pegged to specific outcomes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking.