Should we, as health insurance payers, insist that obese people and smokers pay a much higher premium?

Question

that, in turn, would lower our premium (non-smokers, not obese)?
This, since obesity is one of the worst health epidemics facing America.

Yes, I know- "when do we stop", etc. THIS question only pertains to smokers and the fatty-mcfatties out there....so bring it on!

And no- I am not in "perfect" physical shape- just a non-smoking, average weight individual.

Answer 1

I was pretty sure they already do that. If you get a policy, you have to fill out forms that ask about family history of diseases, whether or not you smoke, and I saw one that asked how often you work out. Every policy that I have had required me to take a full physical before I would be covered too. My employer also doesn't hire elderly, smokers, chronically ill, or obese people in order to keep his expenses down. I'm not saying that it's right, just the way it is.

Answer 2

9 out of 10 people are getting health insurance from their employer. Everyone at the company pays the same insurance rate, but it's because when you buy a group insurance plan, everything is averaged. So if you are healthy, young, you are paying more than you would be paying if you got individual health insurance. So many people ARE paying for everyone else, even though with a individual plan, you won't have to

Answer 3

sure, it's ok to raise the premium for smokers and obese people.
while you're at it, why not increase the premiums for:
anorexics and bulimics
drug addicts
alcoholics
chronically ill people
i believe you are isolating two groups and discriminating against them. not all obse people choose to be that way. i, for one, was obese a year ago today. i didn't eat excessively or [ig out once in a while. my weight gain was the result of the anti-depressant medications i was and am on currently. when my psychiatrist switched medicines, last december, i began to lose the weight quickly. i've lost 150 pounds in 12 months.
my point is i didn't cause my obesity. many other people are in the same boat.
have a litle compassion on select members of society.

Answer 4

No, I don't think that would be fair and I am certainly not obese or a smoker. If we did that, then we could say that people that are judgemental and arrogant should have to pay more too because those people may be at a higher risk to act with road rage.....GIVE ME A BREAK!

Answer 5

You know some obese people aren't that way by choice, they may have a medical problem and some medications cause weight gain. However if you're referring to people who just eat excessively and are lazy, than yes they should pay higher health insurance rates, as well as smokers.

Answer 6

obesity no, smoking my company already does. It is in the paper work anyone who smoked within 365 days of insurance or being employed pays an extra $365. Which I guess is fair, because I dont smoke and why should my rates go up for those who do and get lung cancer.?

Answer 7

well, I see your point with this, and am for this thing to a certain extent. The question is, where do we stop? I mean, people who have heart attacks have also led bad unhealthy lives, as well as those with liver problems, etc. Most diseases and health problems are actually preventalbe. So when do you start and stop holding a person accountable?

Answer 8

I think so....My old job used to have higher premiums for smokers. I had to pay $10 a week more if I smoked.. Never did make me quit...Idiot me. I agree with obese as well, just never had that,

Answer 9

Why not make all the pretty girls who are more likely to be kidnapped and killed pay more..or how about the people with fancy houses and more money since they are more likely to be robbed and shot. They can't help that they are pretty...and some fat people can't help they are fat. I am a smoker..you already make us go outside to smoke when your the one who wants the fresh air duh what kind of sense does that make.


WELL IF THAT'S THE CASE THEN YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY WILL MAKE YOU PAY WHAT THEY FEEL IS RIGHT. IT'S NOT A JOINT ACCOUNT LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY YOU MORON SO GET OVER IT AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR FINANCES INSTEAD OF MINE.

YOU AND YOUR IDEAS ARE ABOUT AS USEFUL AS A WET MATCH IN A DARK CAVE.

Answer 10

This, my friend, opens the door to many more restrictions. What about people who got an infection because of a piercing? No one says you had to get a piercing. What about people who drink alcohol, people who paint houses as a living, people who are in constant contact with chlorine, people who have lots of allergies, etc.