Health plan fix targets overweight, smokers

You have defined Socialism.

I believe some of you live on another planet. As an employer I certainly do consider the potential hiree's health. You have the choice of two: one a young lady who is 5'0" inches tall and weighs 100 lbs or a young lady who is 5'0" and weighs 400 lbs. Just on the surface, do you see one being less of a drain on your health plan? I'm "trying" to run a business and make a profit. I'm not the Salvation Army nor am I in business to take care of the sick. My taxes do that or either my contributions to charity. As my banker always tells me, "Never forget you are in business to make a profit. Otherwise close up." And the state does not need to be making a habit of hiring sick/unhealthy workers. I think there is some relationship between the word "worker" and the concept of "work." DUH!

A sure fire way to success.......hire sick/unhealthy workers.

Wouldn't a self-employed smoker who went to BCBS to get insurance end up paying more for being a smoker? I know life insurance costs more if you have any risk factors. I pay more for having high cholesterol, even though I'm a normal weight and have no other risk factors, it's simply hereditary. Have they ever been sued for discrimination?

C'mon folks - get over the discrimination bit.

This is called risk-based pricing and makes perfect sense. The lard-a$$es and smokers have been subsidized for way too long. The incentives to (a) lose weight, and (b) quit smoking are both reasonable and fair.

I saw a ad on a gas station window that had a DEAL on a pack of smokes. For $39.99 before taxes. I do not smoke and I am glad.

Bev, had better have part of the budget set aside for the legal battle that will come. She should cover all or none, if one should have to pay all should pay. They mentioned wanting younger healthier people, last time I checked the state of north carolina didn't discriminate against folks on grounds of age or health. When they start discriminating against the old, or the sick ,or the overweight, next will be african americans,whites democrats,republicans,tall or short there will be know end to it. And in the end the taxpayers will foot the bill.

If they are so poor, maybe they should quit smoking.

Nanny state rules!!! Can a case not be made that this is discriminatory? After all most of the folks who smoke and are overweight are the poorer ones in society. So why are we charging them more? Shouldn't we charge the wealthier ones more? After all if we didn't have a racist society the poor would not smoke or be fat and they would be rich!

The NANNY state strikes again!

The overweigth and smokers cost less because they die many years sooner?