WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following is a statement by AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMondon the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) new rules on workplace wellness programs that were issued today:

“AARP is deeply disappointed with the new EEOC rules on workplace wellness programs. These rules put workers between a rock and hard place: employees must now hand over sensitive medical and genetic information on themselves and their spouse to their employer’s wellness program, or protect their personal health information, forcing them to pay up to thousands of dollars more for their health insurance.

“Older workers in particular are more likely to have the very types of less visible medical conditions and disabilities—such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer—that are at risk of disclosure by wellness questionnaires and exams. By financially coercing employees into surrendering their personal health information, these rules will weaken medical privacy and civil rights protections.

“The EEOC’s new wellness rules violate both the letter and the spirit of the civil rights laws against disability and genetic discrimination, which say that disclosing your medical information to your workplace wellness program must be voluntary. AARP will be analyzing the regulations closely to determine next steps.”

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About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

CONTACT:
Greg Phillips, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia