Smoking and Healthcare

[quip]

While re-enrolling in my company's healthcare plan I once again come across their smoking clause (where your paycheck deduction doubles as a smoker.) Which stated: Do you smoke as described below...which was absent from the web sight. :idunno:

Anyway, since I enjoy my pipe only two to three times a week I entered myself as a non-smoker.

But it made me think, why just ask whether I smoke or not? Why not ask if I eat fast-food more than once a week or imbibe alchoholic beverages more than once a day...perhaps enjoy skydiving, motorcycling, recreational sex or other possibly "risky" activities.

If not, what right do they have asking about personal activities to begin with?

Especially interested in the Libertarian view regarding this.

 

[Rusha]

It’s common for health insurance companies to charge a higher premium for smokers. While smoking isn’t the *only* habit that leads to bad health, it’s one of the most common causes.

 

[quip]

It’s common for health insurance companies to charge a higher premium for smokers. While smoking isn’t the *only* habit that leads to bad health, it’s one of the most common causes.

Sure I get that smoking is not exactly healthy... though if they're going to delve into personal matters due to bottom line considerations, why stop at cigarettes? There's plenty of "unchecked" risky behavior out there. If it's a matter of personal privacy...why is smoking excluded?

 

[ok doser]

... what right do they have asking about personal activities to begin with?

they have every right to ask any question they like

just as you have every right to answer it in any way you like

 

[quip]

they have every right to ask any question they like.

Okay, then what's stopping them from asking about my sexual habits or risky hobbies?

just as you have every right to answer it in any way you like

Are you hinting at your dishonest nature? Perhaps I've just dealt with your witty banter too much here on TOL. :idunno:

 

[ok doser]

Okay, then what's stopping them from asking about my sexual habits or risky hobbies?

nothing at all :idunno:

Are you hinting at ...

most retarded posts start that way

 

[Halster]

Insurance companies focus on smoking because of the well-documented health risks, but I get your point, there are plenty of other risky behaviors they don’t factor into premiums. Alcohol consumption, poor diet, and even extreme sports could arguably impact overall health just as much. It does feel a bit selective sometimes.

For me, switching to vaping has actually helped cut down on smoking. I used to go through a pack every couple of days, but now I stick to pod systems like the Caliburn A3. It’s been a smoother transition and definitely feels like a better alternative.

 

[Idolater]

nothing at all :idunno:




most retarded posts start that way

And what does he mean by "your" dishonest nature? He admits to lying right in the OP lol!

 

[Idolater]

Insurance companies focus on smoking because of the well-documented health risks, but I get your point—there are plenty of other risky behaviors they don’t factor into premiums. Alcohol consumption, poor diet, and even extreme sports could arguably impact overall health just as much. It does feel a bit selective sometimes.

Don't smoking and being fat and sedentary have similar long term health outcomes? I mean aren't they both similarly harmful? If you're fat and sedentary, you're not going to have good long term health, and it's similar for smoking a lot. That's my understanding. Seems like they should test you physically to see that you're not sedentary, along with asking about smoking. It's usually put more broadly to include any tobacco use. But if you're both fat and sedentary, AND a heavy smoker, then your premiums should probably like quadruple.