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-Signs, Portents, and the Weather-
CVS Ordering Workers To Reveal Weight, Health Info
2013-03-21
Posted by:DarthVader

#8  Previously an insurance carrier had to spread the risk over the group's population if you we had an adverse medical condition, gender rates mattered and the overall age of the group. What we used to call tier rates, so all employees payed the same rate, employee w/kids same rates, employee spouse same rate, family same rate. Tier rates, these are going away

Now there are 43 rate bands 21-64 you go up slightly each year but the 21-64 can be no more than 3-1 as opposed to the old 8 or 10-1. So now it's based on do you smoke and participate in the company wellness program. If the employer sees a 35 year old paying what 50 something year old should pay he either smokes and or doesn't participate in the wellness program.

That will be how employers know.
Posted by: Beavis   2013-03-21 23:36  

#7  Exactly the question we've been asking. I could be mistaken - it could be contractors or insurance company folks, not CVS employees, physically doing the screenings. But it's hard to understand how CVS will NOT have access to information collected within its own buildings.

Either the days of HIPAA are over, and/or CVS is going to get their pants sued off. Most of the measures employers would like to take to cover their losses are illegal, with the effect that gradually health insurance may no longer be offered as a benefit of employment. That IS the idea behind Obamacare, after all - to drive private health insurance into the ground and crash the existing system. To manufacture a crisis that only government can fix, with a "universal" socialized system.
Posted by: RandomJD   2013-03-21 16:13  

#6  Random, how does CVS doing the screenings square with the claim "that CVS will not have access to employeeÂ’s personal health information." ?

Posted by: AlanC   2013-03-21 15:33  

#5  How does CVS know who to charge $600 / yr?

My mother works for CVS. They know who to charge because the screenings are done in-house by CVS employees, from now through May. Those who don't show up are the ones they'll charge.

Anecdotally, my mother said there were a lot of heavyset black women in the waiting area, looking VERY VERY angry. She's hoping maybe this will cause them to re-think their support for Obozo.
Posted by: RandomJD   2013-03-21 13:12  

#4  Correct and don't forget what Obamacare does you can no longer assess rates for med conditions, gender or age, but you can for tobacco usage and wellness plans. expect a lot more employers to begin bio screenings
Posted by: Beavis   2013-03-21 12:43  

#3  Many, many companies have health awareness programs. Some sponsored by their insurers, with payroll incentives. Quarterly blood tests (for cholesterol of course), BP, weight, lifestyle survey, etc.

Interestingly enough, some self-insureds also have active RIF programs.
Posted by: Skidmark   2013-03-21 12:36  

#2  Company officials said personal information is given to WebMD, and that CVS will not have access to employeeÂ’s personal health information.


Okay so I lie to WebMD, now what? How does CVS know who to charge $600 / yr?

If your MD reveals your information to anyone you do not authorize can you sue him/her?

Fascism strikes deep, into their hearts it will creep. Step out of line the man come and take you away.
Posted by: AlanC   2013-03-21 12:18  

#1  Nothing that the government doesn't do in its military. But, but it's the military. Yes, but since Congress has decided to 'civilianize' the military [see - gays and women in combat actions], I'm waiting for the ADA provisions also to be applied eliminating the weight standards et al. Till then, do as they do.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2013-03-21 12:18  

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