Saw this today .
Smokers join the elite group of citizens who enjoy larger insurance preniums like those with dangerous occupations , and those who pay larger auto insurance because of age ,or traffic violations
CINCINNATI - Smokers squeezed by soaring cigarette costs and workplace smoking bans are increasingly being hit with another cost increase — this time for health insurance.
A growing number of private and public employers are requiring employees who use tobacco to pay higher premiums, hoping that will motivate more of them to stop smoking and lower health care costs for the companies and their workers.
Meijer Inc., Gannett Co., American Financial Group Inc., PepsiCo Inc. and Northwest Airlines are among the companies already charging or planning to charge smokers higher premiums. The amounts range from about $20 to $50 a month.
READ HERE
http//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060216/ap_on_bi_ge/smokers_insurance
Sort of stands to reason. I mean, you have to do the same with life insurance,
I'm OK with this JohnA. I smoke occasionally and used to be a very heavy smoker - I don't think i'll ever be free from my addiction. Financial penalties to help keep me clean would work.
I was pleased they banned smoking in uk pubs too. As fags are banned here in NY the bars have a much nicer atmosphere - I don't mind popping out for a quick snort every so often. I'm the sort of person who could easily smoke 20 cigs or more a night if left to my own devices.
So when do fatties get charged more for life insurance? What about people who like "extreme" sports? People who like the occasional jar? After all, these are also unhealthy habits too.
I also don't believe in the banning of smoking either. Let the free market decide - have non-smoking bars for those of you who don't want to smoke but don't throw down a blanket ban.
So when do fatties get charged more for life insurance? What about people who like "extreme" sports? People who like the occasional jar? After all, these are also unhealthy habits too.
I also don't believe in the banning of smoking either. Let the free market decide - have non-smoking bars for those of you who don't want to smoke but don't throw down a blanket ban.
Yes, I think they do. I've heard of people with the wrong dimensions who've got turned down for life insurance.
Oh, the second point, I'd agree with you.
VRB I do pay extra money cuz I do dive, even have to get specialist insurance due to the fact they won't cover me over a certain depth, plus medical insurance to cover certain things.
I also don't believe in the banning of smoking either. Let the free market decide - have non-smoking bars for those of you who don't want to smoke but don't throw down a blanket ban.
Last time I was in Ireland (another no smoking in bars zone) the hard-core smokers I know didn't seem to mind the ban too much. There are plenty of loopholes. For example - bars with gardens or outdoor bits can accomodate smokers happily. It OK VRB - it not so bad once you get used to it.
I also don't believe in the banning of smoking either. Let the free market decide - have non-smoking bars for those of you who don't want to smoke but don't throw down a blanket ban.
I dunno mate...........The blankets might be a fire risk?? :wink:
The bars are smoke free in NY state, but just go to a casino like the one at Niagara Falls its a haven for smokers!! :wink:
I don't recall having to fill out much detail for my employer-paid health insurance. It's at a group rate so I assume they just charge my employer for the average-type employee and are happy with that?
I don't recall having to fill out much detail for my employer-paid health insurance. It's at a group rate so I assume they just charge my employer for the average-type employee and are happy with that?
The cost is probably "experience based", they adjust each year, based on the previous year's payout. Most of the Blue cross groups work that way.