Health Insurance Risks

As of today, September 27, 2007 there is roughly seven months and two weeks before spring graduation at UCF. Seven months prior to that momentum day I ponder what my life will hold. I've thought about joining the peace corps, perusing graduate school or getting a job. Along with these "future" concerns, I have to keep in mind that whatever I do I have to think about decent health insurance. Health insurance that will ultimately decide how the rest of my income is spent or saved. Having diabetes is extremely expensive and without proper health insurance, your income could quite literally go down the tube. This in mind, I ran across this article from the Baltimore Sun, Get healthy or get fired.

"If you smoke, you might not get hired or you could get fired. If your cholesterol is too high, you could pay higher premiums for health insurance. The requirements embraced by a growing number of companies are raising questions about who will qualify for health insurance, as well as employment."

However some may not appreciate the Get healthy or get fired concept. A Michigan firm, Weyco Inc., drew national attention in 2005 after the company fired four employees who used tobacco. The company has expanded its insurance requirement when it penalizes employees whose spouses smoke or chew tobacco. Up to $50 per paycheck per employee.

The health sweep covers about 30 employees with a random carbon monoxide testing every three months.

While I would not appreciate a random tobacco test, I do understand the financial stability that a company must ensure for its employees. Health insurance being one financial stability.

My hope - for this to not become a trend.