In theory the concept of wellness programs sounds like it would work.
But, in spite of the hurdles, many private plans and some government plans have been offering various wellness incentives for years.
I don’t think there is a definitive study that provides any evidence that they work as well as theory suggests.
Maybe the “unhealthy” are, in the main, already so, and maybe a majority of participate in a “wellness” incentive are NOT so unhealthy that the wellness incentive makes a difference.
Besides, 2/3 of America’s health bill comes from those age 65 and over and their major problems are related to aging and/or a lifetime of unhealthy behaviors that have left conditions that cannot be easily reversed in the remaining years.
I think the only “wellness” programs that can ever work (create substantial cost savings) are those that begin in childhood and then only when they create a life-time of healthy behavior.
Don't give them any ideas!