Comments on: Employers to get more authority to make wellness mandatory

By: BW

BW — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:18:22 +0000

JLB: Glad I could make you smile today.

By: JLB

JLB — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:56:16 +0000

BW: You made me smile today
There is so much to be discussed in your comments. But I will just say – the government can’t give anyone anything without first taking it from someone else.
When will Atlas shrug?

By: BW

BW — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:48:56 +0000

JLB: I agree completely.
Too bad others think the government will take care of them, oh, of course, at someone elses expense. Nothing is free in this world, it cost somebody something. Then again the government has brained washed some people to believe they can handle money better than ourselves. The government loves our money for the “power” (you know the carrot in front of the carriage saying).

By: JLB

JLB — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:20:17 +0000

BW: Yes, it’s astonishing how quickly things are changing in America. The frightening thing is that so many don’t see where this is going. I’m not sure if people are trusting blindly because after all this is America and that just won’t happen here. Thankfully I am finding more people waking from their deep slumber. Question everything. Look beyond the politician’s stated intent. Examine the power that the government will gain and how easy it will be to move to the next step just by simply declaring an emergency. Moderation in eating, drinking, smoking and tv but never in freedom.

By: BW

BW — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:40:58 +0000

I agree with JLB and would also like to remind people of the “GINA” bill, which is still out there waiting to be signed.

PJ, how can you even say “you applaud the governments willingness to help corporate American” followed by “instead of them hammering us with socialized medical program”, what do you think they are now trying to do? The current admin. is not corporate friendly – all the new laws are against the “company”, (example – arrest and/or fine $$ the employer instead of the ILLEGAL person(s) in our country). How much sense does that make?

Freedom of Choice went away long ago, unless, of course, it’s against everything our founding fathers faught for. Lost of religion in this country -thanks to the ACLU. If you are a muslim or atheist you might get offended by the bible or cross or who knows what. Europe is socialist – I think our country is better. Maybe people could start having and using some common sense and realize there are consequences for their actions (good or bad), own up to their mistakes, etc., instead of always blaming someone else. Don’t eat until you can’t move away from the table, sometimes less is better than the “supersize it”. Moderations in eating, drinking, anything would be a start. You could start with leaving one bite of food on your plate, taking smaller portions, etc.

America better wake up soon.

By: PJ

PJ — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:52:42 +0000

I agree with BL. Health care is the number two expense for our organization. In previous years it ranked #4. If you are at all in touch with your claims experience and where your health care dollars are being spent, I think you’ll find most of the those dollars are spent on lifestyle related medical conditions. Yes, genetics plays a part – but the biggest expense is driven from lifestyle choices – being sedentary, choosing taste in food over nutrition, etc.

I applaud the governments willingness to help corporate America wrap its arms around escalating health care costs. Instead of hammering us with a socialized medical program, this is a much better alternative.

There is a way to approach this with your employees that is not punitive – but does allow choice. Either participate in one component of the wellness program and receive a discount – or don’t – and forego the discount. Participate in two components and enjoy an even bigger discount or your premiums – or don’t. The benefit to the employee is two fold – savings in premiums AND, most importantly, better health.

TO YOUR HEALTH!!!!

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:22:14 +0000

I’d be more scared of a practice that said “Lets ignore the problem of people eating and drinking and smoking themselves to death, lets just pretend it doesn’t exist and try to find a way to pay for it. And while we’re at it, lets put it on the backs of the taxpayer”

What I have read so far indicates that it will still be employers providing the incentives to employees, not the government. Unless I missed something. So as long as premiums are being paid by the private sector and these decisions are being made by each employer as they see fit in their organizations – then I’m all for it.

By: JLB

JLB — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:04:01 +0000

Laura: “They’ll just pay a bit more for the privilege of having choice.” This is a scary statement. It’s another way of saying – Step in line with what the government has decided or you’re going to pay. I really thought being American gave us the freedom of choice in our personal lives.

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:22:11 +0000

I just got back from Europe – and I have to tell you that Americans are fat. I wasn’t aware of how prevalent our collective chubbiness is until I saw how slender Europeans are. This was both in the city and in the country . . . working people as well as those at leisure. I am 50 pounds overweight, and am very aware of it. But here in America I don’t think a thing of it, I’m pretty slim compared to a lot of women I work with. Over there I was always the heaviest woman in the room.

SOOOO, If incentives and wellness programs will encourage at least a few people to shed a few pounds, so be it. Those who want to stay heavy, continue smoking etc will not be prevented from doing so. They’ll just pay a bit more for the privilege of having choice.

By: JLB

JLB — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:41:06 +0000

BL: I agree – a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to everyone. At what cost is my concern. I’m not speaking financially but in loss of freedom. Healthcare costs are way out of control. Perhaps that cost could also be attributed to people who abuse the ER, don’t pay their bills and fraud? Americans do have health issues but not all are due to lifestyle choices. Some are genetic. I think we really need to be aware of the big picture. What happens when the government decides a certain genetic disposition is too costly? I know you are thinking that it won’t happen but it is just a step away. Government is already far too big and is encroaching on my freedom. Be vigilant and look to where this leads. There are costs associated with everything. I don’t want the cost to be my right to decide my healthcare and lifestyle.