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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Employee Benefits Security Administration, along with the departments of Health and Human Services and Treasury, issued guidance related to questions raised in dozens of class-action lawsuits challenging the tobacco surcharges some employers add to premiums for their group health plans through workplace wellness programs. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Affordable Care Act allow employers to reward employees for healthy habits through wellness programs. Wellness programs can cover things like nutrition, weight loss, tobacco cessation, fitness, alcohol and drug abuse assistance, managing stress, or general health education.The FAQs released
