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To the Editor,

It’s a shame the Mount Airy News did not contact me before running their editorial “Foxx proposal a big step toward genetic profiling” because it’s filled with false and misleading information.

Voluntary employee wellness plans have existed for decades and are currently available to tens of millions of Americans. The Affordable Care Act, authored by Democrats, includes a provision that encourages greater use of these innovative wellness plans. However, steps taken by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission led to conflicting regulations. By reaffirming the policies outlined in the ACA, my legislation removes this legal uncertainty so employees can continue to benefit from these voluntary wellness plans.

The editorial incorrectly claims that the bill will force “individuals to give up their most intimate and basic possession — themselves and their genetic code — and punishing those who refuse.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Genetic information is extremely sensitive, and no one should be forced or coerced into disclosing this information. That is precisely what federal law protects, and that will not change under this bill.

It’s also been falsely suggested workers will be penalized or fined if they refuse to join these plans. In programs that offer incentives, those who choose to enroll can receive a reduction in their health insurance premiums. Those who decline to participate simply do not receive the incentive. In no way are those who decide not to participate worse off.

Voluntary employee wellness plans have long helped working families control their health care costs and improve their quality of life. It’s unfortunate that critics of the bill are spreading false information to deny workers that option.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx

http://mtairynews.com/opinion/49796/foxx-wants-to-set-the-record-straight