[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Some were disappointed that the conversation was limited to hospitals, smoking and being overweight. It was limited because I was referencing an article I read in the newspaper. And I happened to add "being overweight."

But this thread is open to EVERYTHING that might raise health care costs. That means smoking, being overweight, being anorexic, driving too fast, being an alcoholic, or a drug user, etc..

My position: I stand for greater accountability in all areas where lifestyle plays a role. If people don't take personal responsibility to live a healthy lifestyle, they should be the ones to pay higher health insurance premiums. Higher costs should not be shifted to those who play by the rules.

Note: Getting older is not a lifestyle choice. Everyone gets older whether they like it or not.

I guess that would be OK if someone could agree on exactly what "the rules" are. If someone doesn't have much time and they'd prefer to enjoy that time as much as possible by engaging in things that might not be all that healthy would you deny them that choice?
If someone believes that a vegan diet is a healthy choice but another believes that cutting down on sugars and carbohydrates while eating meat who is going to decide who is correct. There are plenty of experts who have plenty of evidence supporting both of these choices.
Health insurance as it exists in America today, by it's very nature shifts the costs from the least healthy to the healthiest of us. I really don't believe that there is anything you can do to alter that other than eliminate health care coverage completely and have everyone pay for their own health care out of their pockets.