We all have probably heard or read about the concessions from the latest UAW-Ford negotiations. But have we heard the change to healthcare? This change makes sense as a cost saver and as a promotion of good health.
What is it? Everyone over age 50 has to have an annual physical exam at company cost. Between ages 40-49 a physical is required every 2 years and under 40 a physical exam is required every 3 years. Why is it good? Maybe, the question should be "Why isn't this good?" Doesn't it make sense that we would want to know what our health situation is? If we can catch something early, doesn't that make sense and cheaper to fix?
The worker gets to go to their doctor for the physical, the Company does not choose. All the information is confidential between worker and their physician.
If there is a problem, for example high blood pressure, the worker will be given information (and probably medication) on ways to reduce high blood pressure, exercise, for example. This is actually being done by some HMO's on ways to stem costs.
If an employee does, for example, have high blood pressure, they will have to make an attempt to correct it with their doctor (the Company will not be involved in the process). If the employee makes the attempt, they are fine. If the employee does not make the attempt or does not want to take part in it, they will have to pay an extra $25 per month in insurance costs. This typically is done by the worker either signing a form saying they do not want to participate or not returning the form.
This will be between patient and doctor. No information will be used to fire the employee--not for drugs, poor heart condition, diabetes, etc.
One of he goals of the program is for the employees to take charge of their health and if they are unhealthy in any way, they will be given direction by their doctors in getting healthy.
Another goal is to save on health care costs. By treating any health related problem early on, the cost savings are huge.
Translating this nationally may be difficult due to the fact that insurance companies gouge us to make their profit--there definitely would have to be government intervention and/or regulation to limit the gouging. There will also people some people who would not want to participate and that would have to be addressed.