Too Heavy? It will Cost you in Alabama

Alabama , with a 30.0% adult obesity rate, is the third fattest state according to a new report entitled, F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2008.

Why did I mention Alabama specifically?

“Alabama is now telling its overweight state workers that they should get healthier. If the workers choose not to, it will cost them $25/month for insurance.”

Iowa Avenue and Healthy Lifestyle Blogger member, Blake Hagen, just wrote about this issue:

Too Heavy? It Will Cost You in Alabama

“The workers have until January 2010 to get free health screenings. If the screenings uncover serious issues with blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, or glucose, the workers will have 1 year to see a doctor at no cost, enroll in a wellness program, or do their own thing to improve their health. If they show progress, they won’t be charged the fee. If they don’t show any progress, it will cost them.”

What do you think? Is this a good thing or is it “too Big Brotherish?”

Let’s discuss this important topic………… Could this action be coming to a Fortune 500 company near you?

Tags: Alabama, company, diabetes, health, heart_disease, insurance, money, state, weight

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Permalink Reply by Alyssa on August 25, 2008 at 9:04am

I also have a very hard time with this. In many cases, our jobs lead to the very health problems that employers are charging us for! If we weren't working such long hours, sitting at the desk all day, living with high stress levels, eating at our desks, working while on vacation, and being available 24-7 through technology, our health would probably be better. Also, this could be construed as biased behavior on the part of employers, and that will most likely open the door to a whole new slew of lawsuits.
Finally, I personally know of a number of overweight and, yes, even clinically obese folks who are far healthier than their thinner counterparts! They don't drink, smoke, or eat junk, and they walk every day. Their vitals are great, even though they are quite heavy. Should they have to pay more than a thinner person whose vices simply haven't caught up with them yet?
If employers want to cut down on health care costs (and really, who doesn't, lol!), there are many health-related organizations who are willing to work with corporations for low fees or, sometimes, even for free.
I'd personally like to see more of an emphasis on health, and less on weight.

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Permalink Reply by Chef Kevin E. Harris on August 25, 2008 at 9:10am

Very interesting point, in terms of healthy obese individuals. I have never heard that argument. I do identify with it though. I am only 150 lbs., and I have chest pains, dead knees, arthritus, sleep aptnea and who knows what else. I think u have an un common perspective.

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Permalink Reply by Susana on August 25, 2008 at 11:48am

We need an insurance through our government... National insurance or whatever they call it. That way employers won't have to deal with that.

I can believe this powerful country doesn't have that. There must be something hiding...

I have a friend in Scotland. Her dad has leukemia. The cost of his medicine is the same as any regular one. He even has a nurse coming to his home to take care of him... at no extra cost!

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Permalink Reply by Chef Kevin E. Harris on August 25, 2008 at 4:51pm

Susana, I would love to have Universal Health Care,.......... I think. I wonder how it would affect our taxes.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Foster on August 25, 2008 at 2:21pm

I don't mind this. Yes, it can be construed as Big Brotherish, and I agree that this is a controversial issue. That said, when it comes to health and the astronomical soaring costs of healthcare in this country, I feel this is one solution to give people (who need it) an incentive to do more themselves. I am a huge advocate of personal accountability, and that if each individual would work on self first, especially with regard to fitness and diet, then overall things would generally be better. When you lose weight, exercise more, and thus become healthier, I cannot see a downside...even if you had to be pushed/lured by Big Bro.

Here are some vids that may help:
http://www.livelife365.com/index.php?vid_id=10&fuse=Play&ti...
http://www.livelife365.com/index.php?vid_id=136&fuse=Play&t...
http://www.livelife365.com/index.php?vid_id=152&fuse=Play&t...
peace,
mike

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Permalink Reply by Chef Kevin E. Harris on August 25, 2008 at 4:52pm

Excellent Point Mike!

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Permalink Reply by Gabrielle Shafer on August 26, 2008 at 7:35am

Wow, that is a tough call. In some senses I think that people should get some nudge for their own good. Some people genuinely need help and might not ask for it....I don't know that a monetary penalty will necessarily be the nudge...Lose weight or ELSE....I also think that when it comes to government involvement in many things that there should be appropriate boundaries before they get involved, afterall, we are supposed to be a FREE country. So, in keeping with my last statement, I don't believe that it is the governments job to monitor our weight. However, in this SPECIFIC case they do work for the state government and they are paying for their healthcare. When the obese population has more health related issues costing more to insure and care for them then I can see why big brother wants to curb the spending on this population. Is this fair? Probably not, but is it logical, maybe. Do I think that incentives to help others lose weight are a good thing? YES, but I don't think that it is the government's job to create these incentives overall. But, when the government is the sole provider and sponsor of an individual's healthcare, then they have the power and the ability to make the rules to enforce such policy. It is the same as any other employer creating stipulations about providing healthcare to their employees and making specific policies that are going to contribute to the health of the individual and the cutting of healthcare costs. Do I think that it is about the health of individuals, NO. I think that with most things in business, it is about saving and/or making more money. I bet the healthcare industry is privately thrilled about the rising cost of healthcare for the obese population because they are on the recieving end of the financial benefits. However, every business is about making money and when they can cut corners, enforce policies, and see opportunities where they can increase their bottom line, they will take whatever steps necessary to do so whether it is fair or has moral integrity or not.