Obesity and Health Insurance Premiums

Does your employer offer wellness programs? Sometimes, employers determine the cost of a worker’s health insurance premium based on participation in this type of incentive program. In some cases, premium cost is connected to reaching certain health goals. Is this a fair way to treat workers who are obese? It has been said, for many years, that America has an “obesity epidemic”. In 2011, a study found that 32% of American men, and 35% of American women, were obese. If those trends continue, some health experts predict that about half of all the men and women in America will be … Continue reading

Wendy’s Franchise in Nebraska Cuts Hours

A Wendy’s franchise owner in Nebraska has decided to cut hours specifically to avoid having to offer an employer sponsored health insurance plan to many of his workers. The owner feels that he cannot afford to provide health insurance to all of his employees and still stay in business. Typically, owners of restaurants that make this type of announcement face public backlash. Starting in 2014, a portion of the Affordable Care Act will begin. It will require businesses to offer an affordable health insurance plan to all full-time workers. Those that choose not to do so will have to pay … Continue reading

Why Do Companies Offer Health Insurance to Employees?

There are plenty of companies that offer (at least some) of their workers an employer sponsored health insurance plan. Many have been doing so for decades. Why? It turns out that there are certain benefits that employers receive as a result of having insured workers. In the news lately, there have been some companies that openly stated that they will not be offering their workers an employer sponsored ealth plan. Right now, the majority of Americans who have health insurance coverage are able to afford it because it comes to them through their employer. It can be somewhat shocking to … Continue reading