There’s more news to fuel the debate over the government’s role in health issues. Alabama is going to start charging obese state employees $25 a month in 2024. It will be based on people with BMIs (Body Mass Index) over 35.
This may almost sound outlandish to some, until you realize that state employees are getting free health care, and that Alabamans are paying $1.32 billion a year in estimated medical charges. Alabama is the second heaviest state, behind its neighbor Mississippi.
Here’s more on the details of the debate, and feel free to chime in with your own opinions.
I think it’s a good idea. People should be responsible for there choices and accept the consequences. Last year I bought life insurance. They charge a higher premium for smokers and people engaging in dangerous activities, such as mountain climbing and race car driving. And why not? Participants in those activities are at greater risk of dying early. If Alabamians don’t like it, they can lose the excess weight or work for someone else.