MS HB1605

Allows employers a tax credit equal to 50% of costs paid for qualified wellness programs, with annual credit capped at $20,000 per employer or a tiered calculation based on eligible employees (whichever is less).

Limits total aggregate tax credits awarded statewide to $1,000,000 per calendar year.

Requires qualified wellness programs to include at least three of four components: health awareness, employee engagement, behavioral change, or supportive environment initiatives.

Designates the State Department of Health/Office of Preventative Health to certify employer eligibility annually and gives special consideration to programs addressing congestive heart failure, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, prenatal care, asthma, and addictions.

Appropriates $30,000 annually to the Department of Health for program administration and repeals the credit provision on January 1, 2018.