09-03-2008, 05:54 AM
Quote:And I reiterate that what bothers me most of the Alabama plan is that the 'obese' are being forced to 'do something about their obesity'. Whether it is a health condition or a lifestyle choice, the state does not -- or at least should not -- have that right. If they want those people to pay more, that may (just barely may) be justified. However, that same justification should apply even more to those who don't exercise, since inactivity is, as I've said before, a greater health issue than obesity. And I'll not even go to the issue of unprotected sex.
--Pete
In Holland where everybody is obliged to take a private insurance all these things play or will play a role. And I am surprised this is the first notice of it coming from the US. It is the most capitalistic and 'don't let the state tell me what to do thing' that you can get.
What I see in this thread (and of course I don't know all of your political believes) is that it is fine for the state to not bother you too much (so, low taxes yeeee) but once a decision made by free market thought is made there is complaining going on.
Obesity is mainly caused by eating too much and exercising too little (and I say mainly of course there are some cases that disease plays a role), age is not caused by lifestyle and also a history of hart disease is not.
Here in Sweden I see far less obese people than in the US, and we could afford it because our insurance covers everything.......but we pay 50 % tax.....
Anyway, you know I am kind of a socialist so it might be strange getting this opinion from me but the point is that I got tired of right wing and liberal people complaining about paying too much taxes....and of course then the immigrants are blamed for everything, but at the same time these people profit from our security system (like it was 10 years ago) and are a bigger burden because of an unhealthy lifestyle.
I think we can hold people responsible for their lifestyle with small negative incentives but should make sure that facts you can't influence are not taking into account (although a true market economy insurer in a country with no government regulation could if it wants only insure people with small risks).
Less regulation of insurers will for sure lead to far worse examples of differences in payment for an insurance policy depending on your health situation.