by Ethan Calvin
The first state in the US to require obese state employees to pay for their own health insurance is Alabama.If any state employee has a BMI of 35 or greater and doesn’t show progress towards weight loss, they will charge $25 per month. This will be assessed by the Alabama State Employees’ insurance Board.
The Los Angeles Times reported this approval last week. Apparently, employees will have until the first month of 2010 to lose weight. Alabama is currently penalizing state employees for other unhealthy habits, such as smoking. A smoker has to pay $24 a month for their insurance. If you are a smoker and obese, you will be forking over $49 a month. A board member says, We are trying to get individuals to become more aware of their health.”
At first glance, this proposal makes sense. Most people are aware that being obese is a health risk, their is high blood pressure, cholesterol, among others. This is actually a good incentive.
There seems to be many responses to this answer. Most of the cons come from teh actual obese Alabama residents.
A common response to this problem is that not all overweight people are unhealthy people. Studies have shown that about half of overweight Americans are healthy. They have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. As for obese Americans, a third are still healthy, with normal blood pressure and cholesterol. This will prove to be an interesting debate to come.
About the Author:
Whether you searching for individual health insurance options or group health insurance, we can help. gohealthinsurance.com is a leader in insurance quotes and medicare.
