Congress Plans Incentives for Healthy Habits

[groovedaddy]

WASHINGTON — In its effort to overhaul health care, Congress is planning to give employers sweeping new authority to reward employees for healthy behavior, including better diet, more exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation.

A web of federal rules limits what employers and insurers can do now.

Congress is seriously considering proposals to provide tax credits or other subsidies to employers who offer wellness programs that meet federal criteria. In addition, lawmakers said they would make it easier for employers to use financial rewards or penalties to promote healthy behavior among employees.

Two Democratic senators working on comprehensive health legislation, Max Baucus of Montana, the chairman of the Finance Committee, and Tom Harkin of Iowa, have taken the lead in devising such incentives.

“Prevention and wellness should be a centerpiece of health care reform,” said Mr. Harkin, who regularly climbs the stairs to his seventh-floor office on Capitol Hill.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/health/policy/10health.html?th&emc=th

[Deja Q]

1. EVERYONE does their part.

I'm aiming for 1 hr/day on the elliptical trainer to shed pounds and build cardio. Most of my health specs (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, et al) are doing pretty great overall but that won't last forever if my metabolism remains low.

I see reasons for living, including job opportunities, so why not?

[HereSince1628]

2. Much adieu about nothin...Once again Congress concerned only with CEO's and the elite

within the Wal-Mart business model which has spread like an epidemic across this once great nation, and which is seen as the salvation of the American economy...who but CEO's and the elites will have health benefits in the post depression future?


On edit: Silly me...Congress WILL have health benefits. That's who.