Here’s your health insurance. Now step on the scale.

In today's workforce, more employees are being asked to take medical tests and to exercise, participate in disease-management programs and quit smoking to qualify for hundreds, even thousands of dollars' worth of health insurance premium or deductible discounts. Proponents say such health plans offer people a financial incentive to make healthier choices and manage chronic

In today's workforce, more employees are being asked to take medical tests and to exercise, participate in disease-management programs and quit smoking to qualify for hundreds, even thousands of dollars' worth of health insurance premium or deductible discounts. Proponents say such health plans offer people a financial incentive to make healthier choices and manage chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, which are driving up health care costs in the USA. But advocates for people with chronic health conditions fear that tying premium costs directly to test results could lead to discrimination, and employee reaction has also been mixed. Faced with crippling health care costs, the number of employers embracing such programs inched up from 49% in 2010 to 54% last year — and more say they expect to do so soon, according to a survey by consultants Aon Hewitt. Big-name participants include insurer UnitedHealthcare, car rental firm Hertz, postage meter maker Pitney Bowes and media owner Gannett, owner of USA TODAY.

USA Today, 4/2/2012

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