Indianapolis, IN

Clarian Health Partners, one of the most prominent names in the Indianapolis area, has taken a new approach to trying to curb their costs and at the same time promoting the very same values they serve as a healthcare provider. In this, they have started a policy that will deduct certain amounts from their employees’ paychecks if they are above certain health risk factors.

For example, if a person is noted to be as obese according to the BMI index, a certain dollar figure will be deducted from that person’s paycheck because of the health risk they impose upon their insurance/healthcare costs. If a person smokes, they have another amount taken out of their check because of their obvious health risk. Call it “sharing” of the risk.

While these are amounts aren’t overly dramatic (ranging from 5-25 range), the significant factors can add up. Some have argued that it is not only intrusive to their lives, but that it’s not fair because of several variables. I look at this and go, “Yes, this should be happening.” It’s kind of one of those double standard issues that we should be taking into consideration–we hold teachers to a higher moral standard than most, and when they fall, they fall hard. The same can be said for those in religion. So, why shouldn’t we feel the same way about those who are employed by healthcare who are supposed to be the example for us to do certain things, both lifestyle-wise and medically?

This may be a trend that branches from just Clarian into the regular workforce as for-profit insurance companies continue to rake in millions while premiums continue to skyrocket. One thing is for sure–you may not end up covering all of your bills when it comes down to it, but you will have some responsibility in paying for what decisions you may have made as life has gone on. Kudos to CHP for standing up for what should be right, and employees, get in shape!

clarian health, indianapolis, health insurance, obesity epidemic, employee benefits