Clarian Health will fine employees $10 per paycheck if you are obese

[Heracles 417]

The prior post indicated that as I (or others) did not have children, that we therefore had more time and therefore it was easier for us to find the time to work out. That's fairly judgmental right there.

Not all health insurance companies charge a higher rate for smokers. And smoking is a social problem. There is no good that can come from smoking - if I'm considered judgmental for such a statement then so be it.

Am I judging you? Of course not. I don't know you. If you feel judged that's a shame, though you certainly seem unhappy with your situation. The advice given in this topic on how to get your weight down and benefit your standard of life and wellbeing is good advice. People do not need to suddenly invest in a ridiculous weight machines, or classes, or lessons. Just taking the first step and making time for your health is what is at issue.

To get back on topic: the entire health insurance system in this country needs reworking - we all know that. To have people who do take care of themselves carry the burden of those who do not is inefficient and ineffective. That needs to change. There are a good number of companies who already use a carrot approach to weightloss and have seen good results. The stick approach requires careful monitoring, but if charging $10 causes people to opt for a healthier lifestyle, I think it's worth considering.

I understand what you are trying to say but wouldn't rewarding people rather than punishing them be more productive? The Iron Fist method hardly ever works..

[smoke20 0]

game on!

[almaty 19]

Where the he!! is the popcorn? Double butter please.

sanita went to get us some beer

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I try to keep my views rooted in rationale, rather than pure emotion.

Enough with the jokes...no wonder kids these days are so screwed up.

You forgot your hook line, Wild Tangent.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Too bad that posting in VJ isn't a calorie burner...I'd be skinny as a rail.

...

I think health insurance companies can and should adjust people's premiums based on voluntarily lifestyle habits that are detrimental to their health, but not employers. This is another consequence of having employers taking on the responsibility of our healthcare. If we had universal healthcare in this country - this would be a non-issue with employers.

I thought you hated insurance companies?

edited: See you Bush lovin' types are stuck in this neo-natal view of ....I hate this, I love that. I try to keep my views rooted in rationale, rather than pure emotion.

Steve the only roots you have are the ones you eat. Your self proclaiming rationale is based on irrational thinking. Such as global warming is gonna kill us but i'm gonna have a kid. Rational? Absolutely not. Whats your favorite tool? Let me guess a monkey wrench.

Marc, let's be honest. You're one of the most emotional posters here - it comes beaming through in your posts. I'm sure I'm not the first one to tell you that you tend react first and then think about it later. That's okay, along as you are aware of it when forming political opinions. I'd recommend staying away from talk radio like Savage, O'Reilly and Limbaugh, because they thrive on emotional saps like you.

Ouch. Just let it out Steve! When you calm down, the love on the outside will prevail. I really dont know what to tell you about the fire of hate that resides inside. Maybe Dr. Laura could help. Savage, O'Reilly and Limbaugh. Their still on the air, I wanted to listen to some liberal talk the other day but dam for the life a me I cant find any on the air. Why? because noone wants to listen to their B.S.

[Mrs.J06 4]

My health insurance provider pays 50% of the gym membership cost if I go there 3 times a week.

I think that's the way to go.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Too bad that posting in VJ isn't a calorie burner...I'd be skinny as a rail.

...

I think health insurance companies can and should adjust people's premiums based on voluntarily lifestyle habits that are detrimental to their health, but not employers. This is another consequence of having employers taking on the responsibility of our healthcare. If we had universal healthcare in this country - this would be a non-issue with employers.

I thought you hated insurance companies?

edited: See you Bush lovin' types are stuck in this neo-natal view of ....I hate this, I love that. I try to keep my views rooted in rationale, rather than pure emotion.

Steve the only roots you have are the ones you eat. Your self proclaiming rationale is based on irrational thinking. Such as global warming is gonna kill us but i'm gonna have a kid. Rational? Absolutely not. Whats your favorite tool? Let me guess a monkey wrench.

Marc, let's be honest. You're one of the most emotional posters here - it comes beaming through in your posts. I'm sure I'm not the first one to tell you that you tend react first and then think about it later. That's okay, along as you are aware of it when forming political opinions. I'd recommend staying away from talk radio like Savage, O'Reilly and Limbaugh, because they thrive on emotional saps like you.

Ouch. Just let it out Steve! When you calm down, the love on the outside will prevail. I really dont know what to tell you about the fire of hate that resides inside. Maybe Dr. Laura could help. Savage, O'Reilly and Limbaugh. Their still on the air, I wanted to listen to some liberal talk the other day but dam for the life a me I cant find any on the air. Why? because noone wants to listen to their B.S.

I don't listen to them either. Local public radio has some the best programming, IMO.

[Heracles 417]

I try to keep my views rooted in rationale, rather than pure emotion.

Enough with the jokes...no wonder kids these days are so screwed up.

You forgot your hook line, Wild Tangent.

Why are they not? I cannot recall goths and every other wanker out there in the 60's..

[Marilyn. 340]

So. Start eating smaller portions, start going for a walk. You, your kids, your bank balance, and your standard of life will benefit.

Obesity is actually a disease. Having a few extra pounds is one thing; while someone obese is a whole other story.

Why don't we stand charging people in wheel chairs for having to build extra ramps?

I wonder if people realize that for certain people being only 30 pounds overweight would be considered obese according to the BMI...

i think when we hear the word obese we think of someone who is like 400 pounds....

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I try to keep my views rooted in rationale, rather than pure emotion.

Enough with the jokes...no wonder kids these days are so screwed up.

You forgot your hook line, Wild Tangent.

Why are they not? I cannot recall goths and every other wanker out there in the 60's..

I think you're talking about perceptions more than anything. You weren't alive in the 60's were you? I wasn't either - but even I've heard of the Mods and Rockers

[ace13 0]

Let's punish all the people with STDs, too. That increases premiums and they did that to themselves with their reckless behavior. They should have to make that made public to their employers and lets make them wear signs, too. They should get deductions from their paychecks, too. And anyone that drinks alcohol should have a deduction, too. And then those people that get less than 8 hours of sleep--deduction. It is bad for your health. It lowers your immune system and increases our premiums. And then, people that don't floss---deduction. It increases our dental premiums.

Some of the people on here are incredibly self righteous, condescending and judgmental. It is really sickening. Not to mention how sickening the discrimination is in this thread.

[no name 1]

Not to mention how sickening the discrimination is in this thread.

The trhead was started to discuss how a company fines the fat/unhealthy people. Some will disagree with it, some won't. It's not about discrimination but opinion.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Some of the people on here are incredibly self righteous, condescending and judgmental. It is really sickening. Not to mention how sickening the discrimination is in this thread.

I think there's varying degrees of reasonability. Should smokers have to pay more for healthcare if in fact they cost all of us more our healthcare? Just like wreckless drivers...should they pay higher premiums for car insurance than someone who's never been in an accident or gotten a ticket?

[no name 1]

Some of the people on here are incredibly self righteous, condescending and judgmental. It is really sickening. Not to mention how sickening the discrimination is in this thread.

I think there's varying degrees of reasonability. Should smokers have to pay more for healthcare if in fact they cost all of us more our healthcare? Just like wreckless drivers...should they pay higher premiums for car insurance than someone who's never been in an accident or gotten a ticket?

Hey, I had a higher premium when I smoked. It's only fair that people with medical risks pay more.

[smoke20 0]

Some of the people on here are incredibly self righteous, condescending and judgmental. It is really sickening. Not to mention how sickening the discrimination is in this thread.

I think there's varying degrees of reasonability. Should smokers have to pay more for healthcare if in fact they cost all of us more our healthcare? Just like wreckless drivers...should they pay higher premiums for car insurance than someone who's never been in an accident or gotten a ticket?

i hear that a lot. & i don't understand it. how do smokers cost non smokers more for their healthcare?

Edited August 8, 2007 by smoke20