WASHINGTON: - In its effort to overhaul health care, the United States Congress is planning to give employers in the country sweeping new authority to reward employees for healthy behaviour, including better diet, more exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation.

A web of federal rules limits what employers and insurers can do now.

Congress is considering proposals to provide tax credits or other subsidies to employers who offer wellness programmes that meet federal criteria. In addition, lawmakers said they would make it easier for employers to use financial rewards or penalties to promote healthy behaviour among employees.

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