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Feb 13 20124:20 pm EDT -
"Wal-Mart" of Weed Welcomed to Washington
Jan 23 201210:57 am EDT -
Stick a Fork in This App, Paula Deen
Jan 20 20124:22 pm EDT -
Germ-Zapping Keyboard Approved for Hospitals
Jan 03 20124:32 pm EDT
Targeting Fat Smokers
Should fat smokers pay more for their insurance?
A Senate panel thinks so. The Senate Finance Committee yesterday passed a measure that would allow employers to jack up insurance premiums as much as 50 percent for the obese, smokers, and others who engage in unhealthy behaviors unless they participate in wellness programs.
The plan is opposed by some health and union groups who say it amounts to discrimination and could allow insurers and self-funded employer plans to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions. One of the aims of reform is to do away with the preexisting condition policy.
“While we appreciate the amendments’ intent to encourage healthy behaviors, we believe that allowing employers to vary premiums by up to 50 percent of the total cost of employee coverage could lead to discriminatory practices and make health coverage unaffordable for those who need it the most,” the coalition of health and union groups say in a statement, according to Politico.
Brett Chase covers health care for Portfolio.com and writes the blog Heavy Doses.
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