Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Iowa

My wife recently brought home paperwork from her employer (Hospital, she is an RN) referring to what they are calling "Health Strides". The paper work states that every employee is being asked to fill out an on-line form to "help identify personal health risk". Second they are asked to attend "Biometric Screening" which includes obtaining their height, weight, waist measurements, blood pressure & blood lab work to include metabolic panel, blood count, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Third they are to attend a "feedback session" which includes a group feedback, and a sealed envelope containing an individualized personal health report, lab results, and a form for creating their own personal improvement plan to maintain or improve health. In return for completing all 3 steps they will receive $50.00.

Now those that do not participate will pay 20% more for health insurance than those that do attend. My question is; is this legal? Can they offer cheaper insurance to employees that choose to hand them their health records over those who choose not to?


Asked on 8/28/11, 8:54 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Iowa is a right to work state which means that a person can be terminated for any reason, good reason or no reason at all unless they have a contract of employment or are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

What you describe has a significant down side but as far as its legality, it probably is legal because in a sense it is voluntary.

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Answered on 8/28/11, 9:50 am


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