Alabama has become the first state to base the insurance rates of its government employees on their weight, giving its 37,527 workers one year from the date of an exam to shape up.
Beginning in January 2010, mandatory free screenings will be given to detect serious problems with blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and obesity. If test results are worrisome, the employees must see a doctor at no cost, enroll in a wellness program, or take steps on their own to improve their health. A follow-up screening one year from the original test will be given, and if it shows improvement, their state-provided insurance will continue to cost them nothing. If, however, the problem remains or has gotten worse, they must start paying $25 a month beginning January 2011.
