Quick Takes
Home
Complete archive of features and news articles, sample policies and procedures, assessments, and surveys.
Network and exchange ideas with other members in the forums or ask an expert in one of the hosted forums.
Access vendor directories, product case studies and showcases.
Read Best in Shows, view our conference calendar, read commentaries and take our news poll.
The Hot List
Blogs
Topic Channels
Comp, Benefits, Rewards
HR Management
Legal Insight
Recruiting and Staffing
Software and Technology
Training and Development
= Member Only
Workforce HR Jobs
Post Your Job
Post Your Resume



Subscribe Now
Workforce Magazine
Subscriber Help
























= Member Only


Quick Takes: January 22, 2008
  

Targeting Employee Lifestyles, Companies Take Aim at Rising Premiums


Financial penalties and incentives are growing in popularity.
By Garry Kranz

Get Healthy: Smokers and people suffering from obesity are feeling under the gun from employers, some of whom are imposing financial penalties and extending credits to encourage workers to get fit. Recent research by the Milken Institute tabulates the economic impact of chronic care at $1.3 trillion per year. But how far should companies go in ensuring that their employees pursue healthy lifestyles? And aren’t such efforts tantamount to telling people how to live their lives? Those questions and others are being debated as health insurance premiums continue to skyrocket. The Wall Street Journal reported on an Indiana bank that increased employee deductibles for health insurance from $500 to $2,500, while at the same time extending credits of $500 to employees who successfully pass certain health screenings, including for cholesterol, blood pressure and body fat.


Workforce Management contributing editor Garry Kranz is based in Richmond, Virginia. E-mail editors@workforce.com to comment.


< Previous Article | Next Article >
1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Index: Quick Takes — January 22, 2008

           
E-mail this document Printer-friendly version Write to the Editor Reprint Information

Reproductions and distribution of the above article are strictly prohibited. To order reprints and/or request permission to use the article in full or partial format, please contact our Reprint Sales Manager at (732) 723-0569.



Related Topics









Copyright © 1995-2008 Crain Communications Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement