One senator believes employees who live a healthy lifestyle should be rewarded – and those that don’t should pay.
Republican Sen. John Ensign has introduced amendments to the healthcare reform bill that would allow employers to offer deeper discounts — up to 50% — on insurance if employees stay fit and smoke free.
But many groups, including the American Cancer Society, oppose Ensign’s approach, claiming it’ll make health coverage unaffordable for those who need it most. They also claim the current discounts of 20% are adequate.
Other organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and America’s Health Insurance Plans, the leading lobby for the nation’s insurance companies, have thrown their support behind Ensign’s plan. They see it as one possible way to start reducing healthcare cost increases.
Whose side are you on? Do you think employees who live healthier lifestyles should be entitled to steeper discounts? Tell us why or why not in the comments box below.
