Shape Up or Pay Up: Emanuel

[Synicus Maximus]

Source: NBC Chicago

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is giving city workers an important health choice: enroll in a new wellness plan, expected to be unveiled Friday, or pay a higher premium.

The price if they don't enroll: $50 a month.

The program includes an initial screening that focuses on preventative care for asthma, heart disease and diabetes. City employees would then receive wellness training to achieve long-term health goals, including weight loss.

Smokers wouldn't be penalized, but they would be encouraged to quit. Advisers overseeing the program will monitor progress on a bimonthly basis, and those who reach their goals could see their health care premiums reduced.

Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Shape-Up-or-Pay-Up-Emanuel-129945248.html#ixzz1YAAEsjep


Read more: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Shape-Up-or-Pay-Up-Emanuel-129945248.html?dr

[MichiganVote]

1. And when you've enrolled they own your privacy for nothing.

[AC_Mem]

2. My company did this too

I am FURIOUS about it. We were told that we had to submit our blood for testing, (or see our doctor for the blood work) and if we did not do this we would have to pay an additional $1,000 out of pocket next year!!!

I do understand that being aware and more healthy can reduce health care costs, hell I am 100% for Universal Health Care, raise my taxes and give me free health care. Health care is a RIGHT. And I think that if my DOCTOR is able to get his patient's cholesterol down, get them to quit smoking, and help them with their blood pressure - he should be rewarded with bonuses for that. What I don't understand is how they can tell me that if I don't submit my blood for testing that they are going to make me pay $1,000 next year! Is this even legal? I certainly feel like my rights are violated.

It would have been an easier pill to swallow if they had said that improving our scores from the testing would lower our out of pocket, but that was not an option for us.

[JoeyT]

3. That's our Rahm.

Useless maggot that he is.

[Historic NY]

4. Most state government medical plans have a wellness componet.

<snip> After a standoff on work-rule changes, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has forged an agreement with city unions on a plan to use what he has called the “carrot-and-stick approach” to drive down the city’s $500 million-a-year health care costs by as much as $240 million over four years.

The program would begin by offering city employees and their dependents enhanced screening and wellness training to establish benchmarks and long-term goals, including weight loss, medication, exercise and kicking the smoking habit.

Coaches would ride herd over workers on a bi-monthly basis to make certain they’re following their prescribed nutritional, medical and physical fitness regimens. Those who refuse to participate would see their monthly premiums rise by $50. Those who meet their goals could see similar reductions.

“There’s no penalty for getting sick. But, if you choose not to be in it and do it on your own, you’re gonna pay $50 more a month and $50 for your wife. That’s not that much money,” said Lou Phillips, business manager of Laborers Union Local 1001. <snip>

So its not edict it a work rule agreement.

[bhikkhu]

5. Sounds like a good idea?

I think. I have heard that in Cuba, which has an excellent health care system and better infant mortality and longevity numbers, one of the differences is that they expect each other to behave responsibly. Health is built into the culture as an expectation, and careless or self-destructive behavior is costly to all.

When everyone has health care, and everyone shares the cost, then those who manage their own health best make the most "room" for good care for others.

Of course, Rahm has the reputation of "doesn't play well with others", so he may well find an offensive way to roll out a good and beneficial program...

[unkachuck]

6. "...focuses on preventative care for asthma, heart disease and diabetes."

....this may be a great plan and idea but since rahmbone wants it implemented, I'd have to question its value and validity....

....do you really see Chicagos' beer-drinking doughnut-sucking cops, losing their beer-guts any time soon? Fat chance, they'll have skinny old rahm for lunch instead....

[mrmpa]

7. I hate these fucking wellness programs..............

My doctor and I have a good relationship. I've got some health problems, but I'm attacking them responsibly. Last year, I kept getting phone calls from my insurance company's "on call" program". No matter how many times I told them to stop calling me, they wouldn't stop. Finally the last time a rep called, she said "I've been trained" to help with this program. I asked her if she was a nurse, doctor, dietitian, the answer to all was no. I asked if she had a college degree, the answer was no. I told this rep, one more phone call and I will see her in court. I also hated the fact that the phone calls I received were all from out of state.

So my insurance company wanted me to allow a person with "training" to give me health care instruction. I think not.

[sarcasmo]

8. All the militant non smokers, I told you they were coming for the fatties.

Next up a fridge inspection or it will cost you 50 bucks a month.