Employee Health Insurance Plan Charges More for the "Unhealthy" Worker
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According to an article at Fox News, Starting in 2009, Clarian Health will begin charging workers extra for insurance if they let health risks such as smoking, obesity or high cholesterol go unchecked.
Questionnaires and screenings will be used to determine those workers with health risks, and those who fail to measure up in a total of 5 areas, including body mass index and blood pressure, will pay up to $70 more per month for their employee health insurance plan.
The new rule is controversial because federal law doesn't allow discrimination against any person in a group or employee health insurance plan based on personal health factors.
But, as healthcare costs skyrocket, others feel that a little personal responsibility will be a good thing. Smoking and the health risks associated with being overweight are two major contributors to the rising costs of healthcare, and those who don't participate in such behaviors have long complained about sharing the costs.
Regardless, as one registered nurse put it, perhaps this will help people to adopt a healthier lifestyle and qualify for more affordable medical coverage. Come 2009, it will be interesting to see.