Apparatus, method, and computer program product for rewarding healthy behaviors and/or encouraging appropriate purchases with a reward card

Abstract

A wellness program is set up for employees of an employer and participation in the program by at least a first one of the employees of the employer is tracked to determine if the at least first one of the employees has earned a reward by virtue of the participation. In response to determining that the reward has been earned, it is determined whether this is the employee's initial earned reward. If such is the case, a reward payment card is created for the employee; an amount associated with the reward payment card is initialized; and the card is provided to the employee. Subsequently-made purchases by the employee with the card are detected. In some cases, based on purchase level data associated with the subsequently-made purchases, it is determined if the employee is eligible for a supplemental award; if this is the case, supplemental award value is associated to the reward payment card. In other instances, purchase-level data associated with at least those of the subsequently-made purchases which are qualified purchases is reported to the employer.