A Spoon Full Of Sugar

Did you know that being overweight can cost you more? Yesterday's Associated Press reported that some companies are now determining your health insurance premiums based on your life style. You can see the entire article here:
http://health.yahoo.com/news/179186;_ylt=AhdePsYxTu9oOftCkCVGUQqmxbAB

In a nutshell, employers are beginning to feel the burden of the obesity epidemic in their pockets, and they have found a solution: if you weigh more you pay more. Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are some of the determining factors in how much someone would pay for their share of employer based health benefits.

Luckily, there are bonuses too. Some employers are offering bonuses to employees who practice healthy lifestyles and reduce health risk factors or maintain good health.

So here is the question: Is it fair? Well, let's look at it this way, do you like paying higher premiums for car insurance when you have a spotless driving record, but you neighbor is averaging 1.2 fender benders a year? Doesn't your car insurance policy reward you with a lower rate for your abilities? Is that fair?

We are now living in an era when health insurance is becoming a luxury item. The burden placed upon health insurance costs over the next 15 years are going to sky rocket because of the obesity epidemic we as a nation are facing. So I have to say yes, yes it does seem fair that I would pay less for insurance than someone who eats at McDonald's 3-4 times a week. If they are truly basing the premium difference on PROVEN CONTROLLABLE side effects of living an unhealthy or high risk life style.

And please don't blame it on your Thyroid, I have Hoshimoto's Disease and have been treating my hypothyroid disorder since 1996...though THAT disorder is probably going to be protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act....so you will be fine.

Have a healthy day.