Should obese folks have to pay additional health insurance costs, just like smokers have to?

Question

I haven't smoked in years, and I'm probably 10 pounds overweight. Still, I think the answer's yes.

Answer 1

no, but people who have healthy life styles should be rewarded and not be forced to pay extra for everyone else.

Answer 2

Well that would certainly be a windfall for insurance companies, despite record profits, they are always looking to make even more money. In fact they are behind the change several years ago that had the normal range dropped by about five pounds. So you went to bed fine, and woke up overweight. They would love to be able to charge millions of people more, but the fact is that while it may not be esthetically appealing, the 'normal' range of obesity, that is not being 100 lbs or more overweight, isn't some vast death sentence. On average, it may end your life from three days to two months earlier than average. No keeling over at forty unless there is a family history, or underlying problem.
Jim Fixx died at fifty two, so who is really to tell?

Answer 3

GREAT QUESTION! First of all, I think that is a decision that insurance companies should be allowed to make. If I were an insurance executive, I would definitely charge a higher premium.

Think about it: although rare, I have seen people over 80, 90, even 100 who smoke and/or drink. I have never seen an obese octogenerian or above. They die early of all kinds of complications, chiefly because their hearts are having to pump for all of those additional pounds, their kidneys, livers, spleens and everything else are taxed to the max. They also have all kinds of joint, bone, back and foot problems because of the extra weight. How would you feel if you had to lug a 60 lb. sack of potatos everywhere you went?

Another reason I think it would be good if they were charged higher premiums is that it would, for some, provide an incentive to lose weight.

Answer 4

Then that would make alot of Red State
folks pay more....doubt the Republicans
would let that happen, right?

(Red States has the highest obesity rate)

Answer 5

I think yes too. If you want health care discounts you should live a healthy lifestyle. if you choose to stay overweight and out of shape you should pay more for your insurance. I think that if you lose weight and become more physically fit then you should pay less for insurance. Problem is how to monitor who is staying healthy and who isn't.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

No.. I do not think so. don't forget, obesity is a disease.. just the same as alcoholism or diabetes or insanity.

Smoking probably is too.

Answer 8

I agree

Answer 9

hi check this link its good




http://insuranceadviceforyou.blogspot.com/




.