Government upholding laws and rights of privacy and rights of people not to suffer extortionate business practices is not intervention - that's part of their job - to serve the people.

Certainly an answer could be to find another employer. The same could be said for an employee who finds themselves so-called "discriminated" against, but the government intervenes there on their behalf...

 

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Does it benefit the insurance company? Sure.

It benefits the employer and consequently the employee more.

If your employer gets a benefit in the way of a discount or by way of not reducing your benefits for the same cost then you benefit.

Why should the healthy employees at your place of work have to subsidize the fatties and those who chose to life an unhealthy life? It isn't mandatory so quit crying. Even if it becomes mandatory you can quit.

I am so freaking tired of having my insurance costs go up year over year and watching the same 20 or so slobs going to the doctor 10+ times a year and stuffing down all kinds of expensive drugs along with their cheetos, coke and snack cakes.

We started a different version of this where I work. They will pay for you to go to the company fitness center (and use it at least 90 times a year) in the form of no fee to use it (it is state of the art and cost millions to build) as well as 10% off insurance premiums. If you participate in two of their more rigorous health programs at the fitness center it goes to 20%. All of the fat slobs got up in arms because there was no way to earn a discount that didn't involve...actually reducing your risk of health problems. At least one lady who can barely stand she is so fat said she was considering a discrimination lawsuit.

I fully support voluntary biometric testing and benefits. Hell I support private businesses making it mandatory like not hiring smokers.

 

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Bowlartz, your insurance company is still making money I am sure. In fact, I'm willing to bet that your insurance company is still a good solid investment if they're publicly traded.

I get your chagrin over the insurance company increasing costs, but the few fatties in your company aren't the cause of that. Greed is the cause of that, plain and simple.

 

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Dumb

 

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What do you mean by 'medical side'?

With our company at least, you go to a independent screening company, they take the urinalysis, if there are issues HR is contacted and told that the screening company needs to talk to the person under 'test'. The person under test has to provide the prescribing doctors name and a release to talk about the medical condition that necessitates the prescription to the independent company. The testing company then contacts the doctor and confirms they prescribed it and why.

The way the company handbook is written, the medications they could be looking for is huge. The intent is that they are looking for codeine and benzo abusers, but with the language in our handbook - mood altering drugs, MAO inhibitors, SSRI's, muscle relaxers, etc. are all realistically on the table as well.

It's hugely invasive. Bear in mind I sit at a computer desk all day as well - I never operate company vehicles or heavy machinery.

 

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I suppose the government could get rid of the tax incentives that make it beneficial for health insurance to be provided through your employer. Clearly that is what is distorting the market here!

 

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No the fact that insurance is mandated by law means the insurance companies already have all the legislation they need to squeeze every last penny out of you.

 

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Oh it's much more than that SoBaki. But don't worry, you're not retarded because you don't know more about it, you're normal.

 

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I don't understand what's crazy about that statement.. Healthcare became a mandate. Healthcare providers can do whatever they want now. Including black list you from employment in any company they do business with because of your risk assessment..


Government interfered in a free market system that required providers to sell themselves where now they get to pick and choose because WE HAVE TO USE THEM.

 

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