[TexKan]

Originally Posted by Tee

would gays pay higher rates because of aids? Would catholics pay higher rates because they don't believe in birth control, therefore they may have more children? Would blacks pay a rate hike because of a higher tendency to die of a violent crime? At what point would we start testing children or adults for the presence of a fat gene or diabetes gene in order to evaluate risk? It's definitely a Pandora's box,

Aghhhh..... Tee - Great post BUT I must add........ Heterosexuals have a higher rate of new HIV infxn than gay's. I think what you have written is very insightful - truth is I do smoke - started paying higher rates in 1980 sumthin when I worked for the "state". Oddly enough now I'm with the health Dist. and they didn't ask if I smoke. Strange. I know that folks die from complications from obesity LONG before someone with COPD dies. So who to say who is the unhealthy one. I'm just glad they haven't asked for my weight yet....LOL I don't believe smokers are the cause of all the high insurance rates.... have you looked at what CEO's of the insurance industry make lately? I've been in medicine for 30 years - it's a money makin business........ I'll pay my premiums and go take my smoke breaks when I can. We all chose our own way - I say live and let live - if it costs me more than a non smoker then I will either pay it or find me a company that doesn't charge more because I smoke. Hell we are all gonna be broke sooner or later anyway. Bottom line is if you got the letter - the decision has ALREADY been made at some committee level that you weren't invited to. Your option is to pay or find another company.