I seem to have a differing opinion than most. First, let me state I am a size 10 so I am not some stick thin person running around thinking everyone else is fat. I come from and obese family and have been close to the body fat percentage this law states.
With that said...
First, this is for STATE employees. It is not for ALL Alabama residents. With insurance costs and an economy that seems to be heading toward recession this makes good "business" sense. People who are smokers or obese pay extremely higher rates than non-smokers and people who are not considered obese. The states AND it's residents are paying for these extra high insurance rates. The tax dollars of those living in Alabama go to pay for the insurance costs of it's states workers. I think this being responsible with tax dollars.
They aren't saying they are going to fire you just that you have to pay $25/mo. As someone who has no health insurance benefits I would love to have full benefits for just $25/mo. If they don't want to lose then wait then so be it. They won't get fired for it. It is the same as an extra value meal a week. If you don't want to lose the weight then don't. Just pay the $.
Now, I do believe that special consideration have to be made for people whose obesity is caused by medical problems. Other than that I actually think this is a great idea.
With that said...
First, this is for STATE employees. It is not for ALL Alabama residents. With insurance costs and an economy that seems to be heading toward recession this makes good "business" sense. People who are smokers or obese pay extremely higher rates than non-smokers and people who are not considered obese. The states AND it's residents are paying for these extra high insurance rates. The tax dollars of those living in Alabama go to pay for the insurance costs of it's states workers. I think this being responsible with tax dollars.
They aren't saying they are going to fire you just that you have to pay $25/mo. As someone who has no health insurance benefits I would love to have full benefits for just $25/mo. If they don't want to lose then wait then so be it. They won't get fired for it. It is the same as an extra value meal a week. If you don't want to lose the weight then don't. Just pay the $.
Now, I do believe that special consideration have to be made for people whose obesity is caused by medical problems. Other than that I actually think this is a great idea.