Affordable Medical Insurance May Slip Away From Those Who Need Obesity Treatment
Start here... |
| Select Insurance Type: |
| Zip code: |
|
|
The rising costs of obesity have already been attributed to growing healthcare costs in America. Around 60% of Americans are either overweight or obese, costing billions in treatments for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This is why many lawmakers have suggested a "merit system" in order to make affordable medical insurance available for some - but for others, namely the obese, it would become even more expensive. The "merits" would be awarded to those within a healthy BMI, while the costs of obesity treatment would be paid for by those who are obese.
This sounds fair to some, but too costly to others. And, now that Reuters has reported a greater incidence of medical debt associated with obesity treatment and employer health insurance, things aren't going to get any easier.
According to the article, "over an average of three years of follow-up, workers with higher BMIs tended to file more workers' compensation claims. People with BMIs of 40 or more had twice the rate of claims as people at recommended weights -- especially claims related to back, wrist or arm, neck or shoulder, knee, foot or hip injuries."
With employers already straining to offer any kind of medical insurance, will it be long before the overweight or obese are denied coverage at all levels?
Sadly, what would really help those who struggle with their weight are regular medical checkups, complete with the kind of professional guidance that only a doctor can provide.
Too bad that guidance may soon be unavailable to those who need it most.