Cyclone85

Interesting. Various legislatures around the country have recently enacted some new rules that would permit insurance carriers additional rating flexibility for 'small groups' that adopt wellness programs, i.e., weight reduction programs, smoking cessation, etc. Previous rating laws never permitted such flexibility. The idea is to encourage people to stop smoking and lose weight so their rates could be reduced.

I believe this country has a serious weight problem...from the rich down to the poor; across all party lines, religions, and races. Obesity causes very serious health problems from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The frequency and severity of claims are sky-high, which is partly the reason health insurance premiums are so high. It would be nice to be able to motivate people to get healthy by losing weight and throwing the cigs aways. Unfortunately, I don't know how this is accomplished unless there is some sort of a penalty.

I wish I could find the URL, but I seem to remember that England was considering something even more radical. They were thinking about reducing welfare benefits for smokers and the obese since the cost to society is so great. I don't know where it stands today, but I see this as a trend of where it might be headed.

I'm still debating the issue myself.