Health insurance incentive programs

We pay so little for health insurance, I can actually understand the punitive nature of it. If everyone participates it will ensure we can continue to have low cost health insurance.

No money towards a gym membership- my medical insurance used to offer incentive $ for completing 120 gym visits. I haven't looked into if its still offered. No time off work either-- but again we get a lot of paid leave as it is.

That's good then :)

with ours, if we go for this "biometric screening" where they weigh you, measure your waistline, take your BP, and ***** your finger to test your blood for lipid values, we get a pre-paid credit card with $150 on it. Every year I think "this is so ridiculous", but I do it. That's $300 when both of us go - not too shabby.

Haha, I'd have the same thought... and do it too. Since, hey, free money!

My husband's company does this too. It was so cool to see my numbers get better after my surgery. The first two years after-the testers were dumbfounded but impressed by my weight loss. I told them "Gastric Bypass-lifesaver." I used to dread it-but not anymore.

I got docked this year for having a waistline that measured 36". The person doing it was sure to mention it to me. Good Lord woman - I've lost over 200 lbs and all my values - including my weight - were great. Plus I'm guessing some of it was excess skin. I just shrugged and moved on.

The person's response is understandable since numerous studies have shown that our waist (or waist to hip) measurement may be a more useful measure of our health and well-being than weight alone.

oh I understand that for sure - but her comment just seemed so trivial given that I had just lost over 200 lbs (and she knew that...).

Wow, that's crazy and it stinks! I know they have their criteria-but damn...I'm sorry you experienced that.

I probably have a counter-culture answer here.My employer has a wellness program where different activities earn points towards discounts on premiums and HRA money. BC/BS is our insurance. However each year the administrating company changes. And to qualify., we have to do a survey. This is where it always stops for me. The survey is a very long, detailed, medical history which I am paranoid about giving to a different marketing company each year. So I don't.

I did participate with a wellness coach a few years back at a different company which was to help lose weight. It became annoying fast so I stopped.

i also no longer put money in an FSA. Because none of the payments from it go towards my deductible. I finally realized I was just spending more on my side of the table that way. Now I hit my deductible quicker and the plan pays. They don't like it but I do.