Word: states
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...state will turn its attention to the obese. Workers who have a body mass index (BMI) below 40--e.g., someone who is 5 ft. 6 in. and weighs 250 lb.--can remain in the 80% plan for the first year. But after that, they need to either have a BMI of 35 (5 ft. 6 in., 217 lb.) or enroll in a weight-loss program to qualify for the less expensive plan...
Alabama, rather than adopting penalties, is offering discounts on state workers' $70 monthly premiums. To get $30 off for not using tobacco, participants have to sign a form under penalty of perjury. (An audit of relevant medical records could result in back-billing and a recall of claims.) Since the plan started giving such a discount in 2005, it has seen a 4% decline in the number of smokers...
After Dec. 31, state employees in Alabama will be eligible for an additional $25 discount on their monthly premiums if screenings indicate that their blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and weight are in the normal range or if they see a doctor to address any risk factors. People with a BMI of 35 or higher have to enroll in a weight-loss program to receive the discount...
...trying to get across to the population that they have to take responsibility for their well-being and engage in more healthy behavior," says Jack Walker, executive director of the North Carolina State Health Plan. The plan estimates that claims for chronic diseases related to obesity may top $108 million a year and claims for tobacco-related illnesses more than $137 million a year...
...University of North Carolina's Blanchard, a fit nonsmoker, is among those troubled by the changes to her state's health-insurance plan. "I understand the perspective that people who are carrying more risk should pay more, but it just doesn't seem fair," she says. "I don't think it's the best way to get people to lose weight and stop smoking." Then again, people who get caught speeding have to pay more for car insurance. Has that made us all safer drivers? The original version of this article misspelled the surname of North Carolina State Health Plan...