Quote:
| Gannett Co. Inc.'s employees this month are receiving a notice that tells them to kick their nicotine habit or pay an extra $50 for their health insurance each month next year. |
http://www.washingtontimes.com/busin...2724-6484r.htm
I know there are a lot of nonsmokers out there that will cheer these actions. Before you get started, think about down the road. Corporations are always looking for ways to shift health care costs to the employees and this is just one way to do that. The article points out that “consumer-advocacy groups are concerned the measures could expand to people who drink alcoholic beverages or are obese.” Given the rumblings about lawsuits against the fast food business, overweight folks will be high on the radar for the next round of cutting expenses. Gun owners have been the target of some health care providers for years. Whatever vice is chosen, money comes out of the workers pocket and finds it’s way to the companies bottom line. When it comes around to something that affects you, objections will fall on deaf ears. They will have been doing it to smokers for years and the precedent will be established.