Too Heavy? It Will Cost You in Alabama

Posted on August 22, 2008

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.

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.

The State Employees’ Insurance Board approved this plan to help their workers become more aware of their health and said the obesity charge will only apply to those with a body mass index of 35 (a BMI of 30 is considered obese) or higher who are not making progress.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I think more good than bad.

I think it’s time people are encouraged to do something about their health. We can’t expect insurance to bail us out of our health problems that we caused by our unhealthy habits. I think this is a good plan because the state is not requiring anyone to reach a BMI of below 25 (considered normal), but they just want to see health improvements in their workers.

The state is not forcing the workers to change, but they are saying if you don’t, it’s going to cost you, not us. Research shows that those with high BMIs (35-39) generate more annual medical expenses than those with BMIs in the normal range.

Of course, not everyone likes this new policy. Some people have called it “terrible” and “too Big Brotherish.”

Others say, “It’s a positive” (source here). It will be interesting to see how this new policy works out. In my opinion, if it helps some people improve their health, it is a very good thing.

Read the article from MSNBC here.

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» Filed Under Behavior Change, Prevention, Weight Control

Comments

  • http://melanieandrobbie.com Melanie

    Having lived in Alabama, I think this is a fabulous idea (lots of people need it after eating nothing but fried chicken, corn bread, and grits)! I just hope it makes a difference in some people’s lives. On a different note, we hope to see you next weekend at Mason’s party! But we totally understand if you can’t make it. We hope Emily is feeling good!

  • http://npmfitness.com.au Australian Fitness

    Great information! Thanks for writing this. It is an honor to participate in the discussion.

  • http://www.sparkledental.co.uk Dentist ealing

    Thanks for the article..Good post, I like it.

    I’m also going gym. and my friend also come with me..so i will tell you everyone person doing excrise and given good body….