Insurance and the unvaccinated.

[Caliman73]

I have seen a number of times on DU, that "Insurance companies have the right to raise rates on the unvaccinated". I totally understand the sentiment. They are choosing to forego safe and effective preventative measures for a potentially deadly disease that has been ravaging the US for 18 months now.

So, this is a "slippery slope" kind of discussion, which I typically dislike, but when it comes to the insurance industry (who would love nothing better than the ability to raise rates, do we want to go this route?

My concern about liberals using this tactic as an offensive against one particular group, is that, as I said, the insurance industry is like the proverbial camel, which would love nothing better than to stick its nose under the tent.

Can they raise the rates for people who don't get the Influenza vaccine? Every year between 30,000 to 40,0000 people die from influenza. I think that smokers are allowed to be charged up to 50% more for health insurance. What about people who drink alcohol excessively? Obese people? What about people who play sports? Playing sports increases risk of injury. I remember when I was playing high school sports, the broken fingers and sprained ankles that had me in the urgent care.

Just wondering whether it is a serious contention or if people are blowing off steam.

[flying_wahini]

1. Well they can and should raise rates on Covid diagnosis when it is unvaccinated patients. IMO.

Yes I hear what you are saying though. It IS a slippery slope but actually may make people who are resistant to go and get the vaccine.
The problem with obesity and cancer is that there is nothing to prevent you getting it.
Sports, however is another story….. Kidding.

[Caliman73]

3. Certainly, cancer can have some randomness to it

There are risk factors however. Obviously smoking. Drinking alcohol past certain levels increases the risk. Low fiber diet can lead to increased risk of colorectal cancers... Thing is, like I said, there are behaviors that people engage in that will increase their risk of injury or illness.

We are certainly finding out more about obesity, however there are still a lot of people out there who attribute obesity to character flaws and weakness. Insurers can and do increase premiums for people over a certain BMI.

I just want to reiterate that I am not defending those who choose not to be vaccinated. I think that they are idiots and I often fall into the thought pattern of indifference to their personal suffering. My concern, like many people's is that they spread the disease and can kill others.

If you want to jump out of a plane and have your parachute not open and splat onto the ground, that is your deal. Just don't come crashing through my roof. Right?

I am not opposed to the idea that there should be financial disincentives, as well as social disincentives, but my issue is that insurance companies are not a benevolent force that would be on "our side" they are basically a casino, where the house always wins.

[JT45242]

2. my employer self insures -- so i can see them doing it (Iowa here)

I work for a non-profit in Iowa that self insures the workforce.

So, an insurance company handles the paperwork but the company puts aside money to pay for all the treatments.

Since, Covid Kimmy and replublKKKan legislature will likely pass law that will not allow vaccine mandates -- I could see them raising rates based on vaccination since the employer is assuming double risk for unvaccinated workers. First, they could be on the hook for HUGE payouts to hospitals since our annual max is pretty low. Second, the lost productivity of the sick workers who would be hard to replace and by our policy could not be backfilled while on short term disability.


I understand that ACA forbids pre-existing condition limitations but .... stupidity is not a medically identified pre-existing condition.

As an employee, I would prefer that the company raise the insurance costs of un-vaccinated rather than share that risk across all the workers.

Again, not sure if it would be in violation of ACA guidelines -- but knowing that any non-vaccinated stupid people could affect my wages and benefits makes it personal for me.

It is hard for me to find the right side of this ,,,,

[Caliman73]

4. It is a thorny issue to be sure.

In your employer's situation, and yes also the idea of people willfully rejecting a safe and effective measure, it is difficult to develop sympathy. Believe me, I have none.

There is certainly an argument to be made. I think your argument is valid in your situation. I am sure that some idiots will be trying to make the argument about non-vaccinated being a "protected" status soon enough. Just like some idiots tried to claim not wearing a mask as a religious exemption.