[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

I haven't heard anyone say this yet but I think this is a huge civil rights issue. The way it's been up 'til now is that healthy lifestyles have been made to subsidize unhealthy lifestyles. We all pay higher health insurance premiums because of those who smoke, drink and/or eat unhealthy high-calorie fast-foods.

Health insurance is finally going to work like insurance is supposed to work, like auto insurance. If you get a ticket for speeding, your insurance will go up because you represent a higher risk. Now, if you live an unhealthy lifestyle, you will represent a higher risk for health insurance companies. Therefore, you will pay a penalty or higher premium. Why should someone else have to pay for your bad habits?

I'm not too clear on every detail but you will need to go to a doctor to get a check up. Your employer will never know the details of your checkup, so you will have medical privacy. And the doctor will give you instructions on what you need to do to turn things around. Then it's up to you. Good luck!

Now, what about medicare? Why shouldn't the same be done with medicare premiums? Why should I have to finance higher medicare costs when I'm healthy and not living a high risk lifestyle?

I dunno, VillagesPl. I am not Jewish, but even this Catholic girl has a little respect for the old superstition about "the evil eye".

None of us, no matter who we are and what we do can become seriously ill and that changes everything. Best never to take our good health for granted.