Lose Weight or Else!
Employee programs that promote healthy lifestyles with monetary rewards are becoming increasingly popular. Does your business offer incentives to health-conscious employees? What do you think of these plans?
From Faith Moore Ladies and Gentlemen,
The July/Aug issue (page 18) mentions that "Indiana offers a certification program that provides state tax credits to small employers that adopt health-incentive plans".
Where might I find additional information on Indiana's program. Our accountant was unable to find any information on it.
Thank you for your assistance. We truly enjoy FSB and have gained many valuable insights.
From Richard Murdock As a semi-retired consultant in the employee benfits business, I certainly
agree with the incentives that employers and plan sponsors are using to
encourage healthy life-styles.
But as a Medicare beneficiary I am sorely disappointed in that program's
perspective on well-being. A routine physical is not covered by Medicare,
except for first-time beneficiaries, and that was only once.
How blind can we as a nation be? Medicare is a 1960's type of health
program, with no incentives or benefits for people wanting to do the right
thing. And with a growing Medicare population, the situation will become
even worse.
All we hear about are cutbacks in doctors' fees, with the result that it is
becoming increasingly difficult to find a physician who will accept
Medicare.
When will our "leaders" wake up?
From Rio VonWolf,aurora,co You are right! What is needed is a health care system that does better. I am not one to have some fanatic tell me how to live. Freedom is not free and the cost of health care is just the cost of doing business. People who have enjoyment of life whether it is eating,smoking, drinking,dating,etc are none of the employers business nor is it a method of discrimination against those "not like me"
From Florida I think this plan will be a health one. We are already over worked and under paid in most cases.
So I think this is a good idea. This will be a great way to boost someone's self esteem. As a matter of fact here's a link to an article about self esteem: http://subliminalmentalperception.com/blog/self-esteem-starts-with-unconditional-self-love/
From Kevin Kennemer, Tulsa, OK I appreciate Steve from Columbus' honest comment:
"Do you think that when hiring we don’t consider the possibility of the potential employee having a medical condition? Of course we try and will continue to do so. Just not publicly."
It is illegal to base hiring decisions on real or imagined health conditions. This is exactly why certain employers cannot be trusted with highly confidential medical information and incentive programs based upon health data. Most overweight people have made poor lifestyle choices. There are certain employees, however, due to medical conditions, medications, etc., who have not chosen their weight condition.
From Steve, Columbus, Ohio I read the article and had a very different reaction than most who commented on it. I felt that the example given in the article is an employer willing to offer an incentive for employees taking responsibility for their health. This is a good thing. Certainly better than the person with a $10,000 deductible.
Fact is that health care is an incredible expense that destroys a company's ability to compete. This year our health insurance cost are increasing by 27%. The insurance comopany took a 238% bath during the past year. The cause of every one of our major claims was caused by lifestyle. We lost an employee to lung cancer, another 2 employees had major heart surgerys, (both smokers). According to our insurance agent, several emplyees are diabetic or have high blood pressure.
Do you think that when hiring we don't consider the possibility of the potential employee having a medical codition? Of coarse we try and will continue to do so. Just not publicly. Last week a new employee passed out in the plant. His lifestyle caused him to pass out. We will now have a workers compensation bill for his arm that was injured when he fell.
Why is it that fat people or people who smoke expect their employer to be responsible for their irresponsibility. I am heavy and am working hard to get and stay in shape. I am taking responsibility for my past sins. Should my emplorer offer to help me I would be grateful and not complain.
From William Gray I don't believe the employer has any right to make demands of their
employees that aren't directly related to job performance. If we allow
employers to take a step down the slippery slope they will eventually go for
total control. When a business person in a position of power creates an
opportunity for fitness by providing a trainer, any employee who wants to
suceed will sign up to make the boss happy. Employees who want to get ahead
will make sure the bosses pet projects are successful whether they agree
with them or not. I personally will not purchase products from companies
like Motorola because of the harsh stances they take with their employees.
From Charles L. Shaw, Liverpool, NY I believe this is nothing short of Big Government making policy to protect the profits of the insurance industry. The last I knew we still lived in a free society where the citizens can make personell choices, but we know this is no longer true. The legal industry has made everything a point of liability here in the USA. We can not continue to think that we know everything about human health, and than impose some cost of liability to this metric.
All the more reason to vote Libertarian this fall, we must get our government back into the status of protecting the rights of citizens, not the profits of the insurance and legal industries.
From Mark, Denver, CO I have been a business owner for 21 years. I wish I had a nickel for every time I've seen this same scenario over the past couple of decades.
If a business is trying to make money by weaseling a few bucks out of their employees paychecks, that business is in big trouble. It means the core service or product of the company isn't selling.
If I were an employee, I would be looking for my next job. If I were the business owner, I would be spending sleepless nights trying to figure out how to get business back on track. If I were a shareholder, I'd sell.
These kind of tactics may make a few bucks in the short run, but the ill will it causes in the employees will tear the business apart in the long run.
My advice, focus on what the business is in business to do. The rest is just a money losing distraction.
From Jack I think that businesses should offer, but not demand, access to services
as weightloss and smoking cessation. If they do demand we lose weight and
stop smoking, we should sue them, collectively and individually. More than
60% of the US population is overweight. Overweight workers do good work and
are conscientious workers. Businesses in this country keep saying , they
cannot find enough qualified workers. They want their cake and eat it too.
Stop picking on people for their habits. It's their life.
All this bull from companies about being concerned about their people is
pure BS. They want lower insurance premiums, pure and simple. I'm
overwieight and I smoke and that's the way I'll stay. Thank-you very much.
From Kevin Kennemer Dear Mina, if the CEO's motive is purely to help employees, providing
incentives is certainly a commendable act. The CEO's motives, however,
should be carefully scrutinized. As a human resource executive I have seen
C-Level executives create hostile working environments for weight challenged
employees. What if they don't lose the wait? Do they mysteriously get laid
off or fired for other "non-related" reasons? It is easy to say these
non-disciplined employees are "fat" because they eat too much or raid the
refridgerator at night for ice cream. There are legitimate health
conditions, i.e. depression, certain medication side affects, that affect
employee weight gain.
My concern is that there is a rising tide of hatred towards overweight
people in corporate America. Doctors know certain individuals have a
predisposition towards gaining weight. Too much emphasis has been placed on
outward appearance rather than results.
Is the next step in the evolutionary benefit incentive chain a bonus if my
father did not have the prostrate cancer gene? Why not provide incentives
to employees based on their DNA makeup? I think that is where this is
headed.
From JR, St. Louis, MO It's about managing risk and money. Individual anecdotes notwithstanding, those who smoke and are overweight cost companies more through insurance claims and reduced productivity. I think it's perfectly reasonable to offer those who participate in programs designed to mitigate that risk substantial discounts over those that don't.
From Lincoln, East Pittsburgh, PA. Is the fact that an employee is paid money separate this person from slavery?
They *employ* you, they don't *own* you!
This began with the anti-smokers in management- "either you live like I do, or get out!" is their mantra. "Live and let live" has no place in modern America.
From the city dwellers who don't own cars and believe that everyone else shouldn't either, to this current workplace paradigm of imposing my lifestyle values on you, America has become a nation of risk-averse busybodies willing to go to any length, no matter how outlandish or bizarre it may seem, with "cost" being the buzzword.
You want to live your lifestyle, fine.
Just don't tell me that I have to follow your lead.
It's a workplace, not a gulag!
From Peter T, Minneapolis, MN Businesses shouldn't be allowed to fire someone for legal activity outside work, but the healthcare premiums should include a health promoting component.
From Cody M, Montgomery Texas I have been on the healthier work place band wagon for some time now. For the last year I have watched what I ate, Loosing 110 pounds in the process with 60 to 70 left to go, I have quit a 10 year smoking habit and a 25 year tobacco use habit( I chewed Loose Leaf tobacco before I smoked). I started this change in my life too late as I have recently undergone a Quintuple Bypass operation to repair the damage that I did to myself. No one forced me to eat or to smoke but I did both due to my addictive behavior patterns. I hope that I can help one other person to see that it is never too late to get healthy and prevent a major illness. I read Ken in Chelsea's comment and cringed at what condition his lungs must be in. He may not be showing outright symtoms of bad lung or heart but I would be willing to wager that a through examination of both would prove otherwise. My wife still smokes after seeing what I have gone through and it is a real sadness in my life to know what she is doing to herself on a daily basis. No one encouraged me to get healthier I made the decision and with Gods help and guidance I will meet my goals. Since I have started this effort I have made the simple decision not to furnish high fat foods at lunchs during meetings. This has met with a wide range of comments and both praise and critisism. I will continue to carry out this plan as it hurts no one. Food is still provided but healthy options and not high fat high calorie options. Ironically you can eat a lot more volume of the healthy stuff.I would like to see Insurance companies make a big step forward in offering reduced insurance costs for healthier employees. I thinks that ultimately that will be the carrot that companies need to justify and truly helthier work place.
From JAB Anyone can dispute anything, however it would be difficult for someone to dispute that a more fit and healthy lifestyle is worse than a the alternative. I do not exercise regularly, I drink to much and I smoke, though I am not overweight (because I am careful what I eat) and I am relatively active. I believe some folks just need a bit more of an incentive than some others, and I would WELCOME my employer instituting a "quit smoking or quit your job" policy. That would certainly be sufficient incentive for me to quit.
From mike, indianapolis in While I understand smoking has become evil (even though smokers pay additional tax to cover health issues) when do we start taxing and punishing thoes that over eat, have a couple of beers on the weekend, drinks at dinner,or fail to take medication so their sleep habits don't cause medical problems? Perhaps this is a good thing ..tell everyone to always eat well don't drink and be in bed by 9. We Should even have a police force to patrole peoples homes to make sure they comply…
From Robert, LA CA Pay the extra premium for that freedom? Sound alot like living back in the Soviet Union era. How about if I say to you, companies CEO's should have a salary reduction of 50%. Can someone please justified a $20 million a year salary for a CEO? But you as a hard working American have to make the sacrifice. Think about it.
From Frank S. Jackson, Mississippi I would like to respond to the somment about what istheir business what I do when I leave work? For companies that pay part or all of their employee health premiums, employee lifestyles (smoking, overeating, etc.) may lead to higher medical claims/ premiums. Employers pay these higher costs, thereby making it their business….and the taxpayers as well for those on Medicaid and Medicare. There is not enough money in this country for people to live any way they please and expect others to foot part or all of the bill.
From Don G, Omaha, NE I find it interesting in the comments the number of people who cite their rights. They are not paying the insurance premiums. If I am paying for the gas, I can buy a big SUV. If you are paying for the gas, wouldn't you want me to buy a Prius? Same thing. Exert your freedom by smoking, but pay the extra premium for that freedom.
From D, Montgomery, AL Too many times, I've seen 'OPTIONAL' become mandatory over time. I'm overweight and have diabetes and kidney failure. I've tried and tried to lose weight and it just ain't happening. I recently decided to go ahead and have the lap-band surgery done. (I'm a 5'8" male tipping the scales at 350lbs.). The insurance company refuses to pay for it! So what the heck am I supposed to do??? Again, my many doctor/nutritionist supervised diets have completely failed. I can't use diet aids because of my kidney disease and insulin intake.
I'm afraid that if these 'employer health' programs take hold, they will gradually become mandatory and that myself and many others in my situation will be very discriminated against. I have a family to support and bills like every other father/husband. I don't need something like this becoming an obstacle to my provider responsibilities.
From Ken, Chelsea, Ma. I don't think smoking affects most peoples day-to-day health. I have called in sick only once in the past 4 years, and that was only for one day. My company lumps sick time and vacation time so I have unlimited time and I still don't call in. I have been smoking for 37 years. No one is going to tell me I have to quit. As far as the wellness program goes, I think it's a great idea. People shouldn't expect payment for being healthy. However, what if the first person who is forced to "get healthy" has a heart attack or has a bad injury, what then?
From Jones, Boston,MA This is discriminatory.I have kidney failure through no fault of my own. So if I can't participate in a Work Marine boot camp get away, I'm not fit to work? Is that it? This is truely pathetic. So this idiot CEO is telling me I can't make a contribution becuase I am physically disabled? This society is sick in the head. and when I get a kidney transplant, I WILL BE ON THE FIRST PLANE OUT OF HERE(provided I can get past the TSA without being beaten' up for no good reason).
From Sean T., Las Vegas, NV Another brick in the Wall of Ignominy for the American worker.
We have to work 60 hours a week to compete with offshore or illegal labor, then hit the gym, too?
I'm all for health programs, but the real cause of the extra cost is lip service paid by most management to work/life balance. Companies have driven their workers to their breaking point. Now, they are paying the price in healthcare.
This whole thing sounds like a lawsuit bomb. This is not the time to drive the American worker any further into the corner. The average American worker has very little left to lose, not even a house.
From Todd, Dallas TX I've been on both sides.
As an owner in a business now, I can appreciate (if you want to call it that) the dramatic increases in health care costs.
This is a case of passing the buck.
Premiums that my company pays have gone up so much, that you have to push it back to the employees someway/somehow.
Unhealthy living, smoking, and overeating can add a tremendous amount of additional risk and premium to the costs of healthcare.
If we continue to offer health insurance as a benefit, and we pay for it, then you can bet your bottom dollar that we will put in wellness programs to reduce our significant healthcare costs.
From Ken, Lynchburg, Va My company has such a program which I don't participate. We also have an OSHA respirator program. I had my annual physical on June 19, and turn 45 on June 20. The doctor said all blood work was normal and I was very healthy in fact "keep doing what you are doing". Then he asked if I smoke. My reply, 1.5 packs a day and started at 16. I think I'll follow his advice and keep doing what I'm doing.
From Allison – Austin, TX My company is great – we have the OPTION to participate in a healthy living initiative program – no smoking, annual checkups, and semi-frequent excercise. By committing to these behaviors, we pay NOTHING for our health insurance and it is fantastic coverage. If you opt out, they dont bother you about your health but you have to pay market prices for your health insurance. It works for those who want it, and for those who dont!
From Bill Fairfax, Va. It's sad that companies in America can get away with this crap. It is truly an assault on individual liberty. I have done plenty of smoking and drinking thru the years, but have missed very few days of work due to illness. By the way, there is no shortage of sickly people who don't drink or smoke. The trouble is that our justice system allows corporations to institute these programs. If you peel the onion back a little, I think you will find the Insurance industry at the bottom of all this. Money may be the root of all evil, but Insurance comes in a close 2nd.
From Edith, Greenville, SC We have a program like this at my company. The program is ridiculous I don't participate in it. I am in my 30's very healthy (don't drink, smoke) and I am thin with excellent blood pressure and everything else. Even though they pay a sizable amount at the end of the year, they want to know too much for that money. They want to know every illness in my family, I have to bring proof that I saw a doctor and a dentist. These are none of their business, I only work here. Eventhough I am a picture of health, if it became mandatory to participate, I would fight it.
From Matthew, Tuscon, AZ I work for a company that has a health program. It is not mandatory but if you dont participate you have to pay double the deductible on health insurance. The deductible is made smaller in incriments for things like not smoking, having controlled blood sugar, and excercising.
I am a smoker and I have insulin resistance which causes me to have bouts of hypoglycemia. I have to pay a $10,000 deductible even though my healthcare costs are relatively low. Smoking isn't good for you but in order to quit I have to make that decision for myself or I will be unsuccessful. The only people this plan is really hurting is my children. Whom I cant take to the doctor or get perscriptions for when they get a bug…because I will never be able to meet my deductible!!!
From Anonymous It is, by definition, a discriminatory practice – it discriminates against smokers. Unfortunately for you, smoking is not a legally protected classification, so you really cannot do anything about it. Furthermore, even if you did try to take them to court over it, there are plenty of justifications for the position your employer has taken, not the least of which is the fact that smokers take more breaks throughout the day and as a result tend to be less productive, and also consistently make more insurance claims, in turn leading to higher premiums for the group health insurance plan where there are more smokers in the office. One might also point out that smokers cause the company to incur greater maintenance costs because someone has to pick up all those butts, or at least empty the ashtrays. Now the company can deal with these increased costs in two ways; by making everyone share the costs, or by requiring smokers to cover the costs to the company of their habit.
From mysticaltyger I don't like it that employers are resorting to this. However, America is the fattest country on the planet. We spend more on health care by far than any other country yet we're one of the least healthy high income countries.
Maybe we need to explore less draconian measures. But we need to do something real other than just complain about unsustainably high health care costs.
From J Black, Queens NY If an employer told me to quit smoking or I would be fired, I would sue the living shit out of him and quit. I wouldnt need a job anymore he would be supporting me anyway. If at the very worst I happened to lose the case I would do every thing in my power to hurt his business with no end in mind…EVER
From k.henriksen.Fredrikstad.Norway This may be a little aside of the topic;I recently read the novel Brick Lane where the author stated "in Bangladesh you couldn`t be poor and fat".I also recall my days at sea with five meals a day,three of them warm and fat and rich in calories -and all the eaters where smokers(20 a day).However they were also heavy workers(burning every bit of the food taken.)None were ever ill.
From phil, nj While the benefits of a company sponsored fitness program are obvious, so too are the threats to individual liberty if one's employment is predicated on participation in those programs. We are already seeing the logical progression of mandatory participation in company prohibited legal personal behaviors such as smoking.
On this Independence Day weekend I am both sad and outraged that our nation's democracy is under attack both by the Bush Administration, a complicit business establishment and a generally risk averse society.
From Jesse, South Elgin, IL I'm all for being healthy and all but if my employer tried to push that kind of garbage on me I'd tell them where to stick it. I work out all the time, don't smoke and watch what I eat. But that's my choice and an employer, of all people, is not going to tell me that I have to do these things. They have no right to. I know enough about the law that it is discrimination and a company could be sued by it's employees. The employees would have legal rights to do so. Employees don't do it because they are scared of facing off against the "big bad corporations". Companies can suggest healthy living and even offer assistance. My company does and I do appreciate that. But the minute you make it "mandatory" or even charge people who don't participate more for their health insurance premiums, they are crossing a dangerous line. Sometimes I think the "higher" ups at these companies are idiots.
From Annemarie Tucker Springfield Ma My company penalizes those of us that smoke. Last year, the company instituted a $15.00 per pay period (twice a month) charge for smokers. While I certainly agree with the belief that smoking causes health risks, I feel that this is a discriminatory practice. I smoke, but don't drink alcohol and I have to believe that there is a health cost to drinkers as well as overweight, but there is no "penalty" charge" to these employees for those lifestyle choices.
-
Wireless electricity and invisible speakers -- see what's coming from entrepreneurs in 2010. More -
These 6 businesses took advantage of crashed real estate prices to trade up. More -
These 7 entrepreneurs are bringing tech, medical research and design jobs to the Detroit metro area. More -
Arson. Scrappers. Blackouts. It's part of business for the last tenant in Detroit's Packard Plant. More -
Inventing is the easy part. Marketing? Trickier. Experts tell how they'd advertise 5 hard-to-tout products. More
Charles – AMEN!
Just wait until DNA testing becomes routine and employees are fired or not hired because of a genetic predisposition to a disease.
It's true that many Americans are overweight due to health issues and medications. And the AMA, Weight Watchers, etc. should not be forced down our throats as the only bearers of health truisms.
Wake up America and stop the erosion of your liberty and rights. Voting Libertarian is one way to do so.