http://www.healthinsurancecolorado.net/blog1/2008/08/26/the-economics-of-obesity/ Research and discussion of the Colorado health insurance industry and the healthcare crisis in America. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:34:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 http://www.healthinsurancecolorado.net/blog1/2008/08/26/the-economics-of-obesity/comment-page-1/#comment-11442 Don Levit Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:36:48 +0000 http://www.healthinsurancecolorado.net/blog1/?p=547#comment-11442 Louise: With today's group plans being similar to defined benefits, it may make sense to have a surcharge for obesity. If the plan was structured along the lines of a defined contribution plan, in which coverage varies directly with contributions made less claims incurred, then surcharges may not be necessary. Rather, the benefits will be temporarily reduced for those who actually incur claims. While there may be those who complain about higher premiums for possible coverage, assessing a benefits surcharge is more accurate. Don Levit Louise:
With today’s group plans being similar to defined benefits, it may make sense to have a surcharge for obesity.
If the plan was structured along the lines of a defined contribution plan, in which coverage varies directly with contributions made less claims incurred, then surcharges may not be necessary.
Rather, the benefits will be temporarily reduced for those who actually incur claims.
While there may be those who complain about higher premiums for possible coverage, assessing a benefits surcharge is more accurate.
Don Levit

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