Companies are giving workers an ultimatum — quit smoking and lose weight or pay more for healthcare in 2013, according to a Reuters report.
Like many others companies, Waterloo, Iowa-based Veridian Credit Union has rolled out a wellness program and voluntary screenings for its 500 workers. The union has mandated that workers improve their health by 2013 or pay higher healthcare costs. The increase has yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: Unhealthy employees will pay more.
In recent years, more companies have encouraged workers to voluntarily improve their health to curb rising insurance costs. Employers often offer smoking cessation classes and weight-loss programs, but employees have been slow to sign up for these options. In retaliation, more employers are using a "stick" method rather than a "carrot" method, charging employees more if they do not demonstrate effort to improve their health.
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Like many others companies, Waterloo, Iowa-based Veridian Credit Union has rolled out a wellness program and voluntary screenings for its 500 workers. The union has mandated that workers improve their health by 2013 or pay higher healthcare costs. The increase has yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: Unhealthy employees will pay more.
In recent years, more companies have encouraged workers to voluntarily improve their health to curb rising insurance costs. Employers often offer smoking cessation classes and weight-loss programs, but employees have been slow to sign up for these options. In retaliation, more employers are using a "stick" method rather than a "carrot" method, charging employees more if they do not demonstrate effort to improve their health.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
Improve Coding for Key ASC Procedures From Stephanie Ellis of Ellis Medical Consulting
4 Things That ASCs Need to Know About RACs
How Going In-Network Can Increase Profit