Some of you may remember that back a few years ago (in the dark ages when newsletters were copied on paper and only delivered to one's local area) I wrote a feature article on my bright idea about no-fault health insurance. I was half kidding.
But half not. See, it came to my attention that people occasionally behave as though there was a pill for every problem (see Healthy Living Myth #6). It occurred to me that not only was this ineffective for the person, but it was most probably driving up the cost of health insurance. (Since I pay this directly out of pocket, as do many of you, I'm quite aware of how the cost of health insurance escalates.)
So I had this bright idea that the insurance providers should offer an incentive for people to do their best to create health on their own. That the insurance would only kick in when you'd done the best you could and had a problem arise anyway.
Sort of like how things go with your car. Your auto insurance company isn't going to be too interested in replacing your seized-up engine if you forgot to check the oil. Yet if a tree falls on it, in most cases I'd expect them to step up to the plate.
Seems to me that's what insurance is for. For those times when, despite your best efforts, something happens.
Well, you heard it here first.
I just came across a story out of Detroit, Michigan stating that Blue Care Network (a HMO affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield) is going to start offering discounted rates to subscribers who "score well on an assessment that measures alcohol use, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking status and weight. The plan is called Healthy Blue Living.
That's incentive, huh?
Speaking of Healthy Blue Living, perhaps I should recap for you my findings on the health benefits of the color blue. Not kidding! But we'll save it for another day.
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
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