If you smoke or refuse to participate in programs to improve your health, it might cost you in the future.
A growing number of U.S. companies want to start penalizing workers for unhealthy behaviors, according to a recent study from Hewitt Associates, a national human-resources consulting firm.
The study found nearly half of 600 large U.S. companies surveyed already use or plan to use financial penalties during the next three to five years for employees who don't participate in health-improvement programs, such as smoking cessation or biometric screenings.
Among the penalties under consideration: higher benefit premiums and increased out-of-pocket deductibles before insurance coverage starts.
"The economy and continued escalation of health-care costs have driven many employers to be a little more bold and demanding of their employees, making disincentives an increasingly attractive option," said Cathy Tripp, a principal in Hewitt's health-management practice.
"As companies learn more about their work force, they're realizing that some people may be more motivated to take action if they risk losing $100 versus gaining $100. The key for each employer is to find the right mix of strategies and plan designs that will motivate employees to be healthier, but not go so far as to drive the wrong behaviors."
Source: Akron Beacon Journal
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Isn't it unhealthy to work more than 40 hours (unpaid and coaxed into it) in a salary job? Why don't they look at this practice of cutting staff but increasing workloads.
Funny how they don't talk about the real rise in cost of health care, our corrupt insurance/pharmaceutical system.