This just isn't right.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourHea lth/AlabamaHitsObeseWorkersWithFee.aspx

I don't agree with what they're doing.

Hi Farrah

I so agree with you on this one. I know several people who are not obese, but still have high cholesterol, high blood pressure etc. They aren't keeping in mind that heridity plays such a part in many of our body issues. Also, this is a form of "fat" discrimination.

Thanks for sharing the article.

Hey, how did you guys fare with hurricane Fay? I hope you guys are okay.

Hugs
Peggy

Hi Peggy!

Well, we got through Fay. There is much flooding here - I think Tallahassee ended up with maybe 20 or so inches? I believe 1 place near us got up to 30" in 3 days (Friday-Sunday). My place fared well - couple of very brief power outages but that's about it. We didn't have much wind, it was all rain.

Unfortunately we may be having another tropical storm this weekend - Gustav. Ugh.

Hi Farrah, thank you for posting this; am looking forward to seeing people's opinions here. 

As for the non-obese state employees with high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, diabetes, etc. the point I saw was basically recognization and treatment thereof.  This would be an interesting 'chat' discussion...

Having read the complete article, were I a non-WLS employee for the state of AL, I'd sincerely take a look at my own health situation:  Smoking cessation, exercise program, and even WLS.
 CA and MN state laws for smoke-free public buildings and restaurants have been the impetus for many people taking the necessary  actions to improve their health. 

"We are trying to get individuals to become more aware of their health," said state worker Robert Wagstaff, who serves on the insurance board.

I'd worked 9-1/2 years for a premier MN  HMO  and understand their stance of keeping health care costs down, as well as promoting improved health.  Yeay, here's to all of us here working hard for health and happy lives!  Patti

I read in a magazine the other day that many large corporations are taking a similar stance to this - giving "money back" to employees that remain fit, demonstrate healthy eating, and "verify" their health in other "observable" ways that don't break HIPAA laws.  I think that it's discriminatory because really the only "observable" things that MIGHT (key word) indicate poor health is obesity and smoking.

I'm super obese and really had very few health problems as a result (they were coming though, I'm not in denial about that).  Now that I'm post-op I am almost guarenteed that they never will develop.  Oh, and I'm not "fit" yet, but I bet I could pass any "fitness" requirements that don't violate HIPAA (I'm sure they just keep track of how often you go to the gym).

BUT, and this is the kicker, I'm getting ready to start a serious job search at some very large corporations that might be considering programs like this.  I'm concerned that they will take one look at me and make the assumption that I will be a risk to their medical insurance and not want to hire me (I know, wrong, but it happens).  Since I'm post-op, they couldn't be more wrong, but how do you bring up something so personal and confidential in an interview with a stranger?  "Hi, it's nice to meet you.  I'm Jen and today I am really fat, but don't hold it against me.  Next year, I won't be fat."

That is pretty messed up!