Posted on 03/20/2013 10:18:04 AM PDT by Morgana
FULL TITLE:
'Fess up, or pay a fee: Outrage over 'bullying' CVS policy that requires workers to 'voluntarily' report health information... or pay a $600 fine
A new policy at the popular pharmacy chain CVS is causing outrage after the company announced it will require its employees to report their weight, BMI, and glucose levels – or pay a hefty fine.
CVS Caremark, which is based in Rhode Island, has some 200,000 employees.
The controversial new policy would require workers to sign a waiver that they ‘voluntarily’ disclosed the information, but those who opt out must pay a $600 fee.
Patient advocate groups say this is just another coercive measure and worry that those employees in poorer health might risk getting fired.
The company mandated that all of its employees must get the screenings, which include their height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure levels, and glucose levels, by May 1, according to the Boston Herald.
CVS added that they will cover the cost of these screenings. But that comes at a price – those who have their tests covered by the company are required to sign a waiver saying the screenings were voluntary.
If workers refuse to sign up, they will be charged an extra $50 a month, or $600 a year.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
That reminds me of an episode of "Hogan's Heroes" where Newkirk gets drafted into the German Army while working on Hogan's plan to sabotage an ammunition factory. He must first pass a physical by a German doctor. Newkirk pulls every stunt he can think of during his physical, but it does no good:
Newkirk: "Hello her Doctor."
Doctor: (With a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth) "Sit in the blue chair."
Newkirk does so and doctor makes a note while saying, "Eyesight; Perfect."
Doctor then draws a pistol and fires one shot into the ceiling.
Newkirk screams and jumps out of the chair.
Doctor makes a note while saying, "Hearing; Perfect."
Doctor then asks Newkirk, "How do you feel?"
Newkirk: "Vell Doctor, I'm a little out of breath..."
Doctor makes a note while saying, "Subject is breathing and perfectly fit. NEXT!"
What the hell, the federal monster already has all of this information, shares it with DC lawyers, shares it with faceless bureaucrats and politicians, and the highest bidder, and, if you don’t comply with govt, they won’t just fine you, they simply jack your property or kill you getting it. And you are worried about some company?
This has been an ongoing thing where I work for years now (biometric screening to get a slight discount on healthcare insurance fees). We are incidentally forced to use CVS or mail order through CVS for any prescription that is deemed a maintenance prescription (one that is used for 3 consecutive months or more, or is in their formulary as such).
Our company pays us $500(health rewards)when we pass a biometric health exam each year. Mine is next week. I’ll nail it, but most people are all over the BMI charts, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels. Tricky.
LOL!
Here’s a health joke Bette Midler told Johnny Carson on his farewell episode, that cracked Johnny up:
An old man goes to the doctor.
“What seems to be the trouble?” asked the doctor.
The old guy complains, “Doctor, I’m having silent gas emissions!”
“Okay,” replies the doctor. You should have a thorough exam. Let’s start with your hearing.”
So, what exactly is the difference between a $50/month “discount” if you do a “biometric screening” and a $50/month “fine” if you do not do a “biometric screening”?
Companies are trying to reduce the amount they pay for health insurance. There are similar conditions at my work for those who want to have the best health care plan.
This isn’t really that remarkable.
Since a rough calculation of my BMI is pushing 60, I can hope my company does not go this route.
I don’t know. If I thought they did, I wouldn’t be using them. Regardless, I won’t be using them now.
Ouch. Sorry to hear that. If you reduce your calorie intake by 500 per day, that’s 3,500 per week. If you walk or ride a stationary bike daily that’s another 500 calories. You can be down to a healthy weight in no time (2 lbs. per week). I’m sure you’re sick of hearing all this. Please don’t be discouraged. I’ve had two joint replacements and have worked for 18 months to get where I am. Pure determination. You have to want it! All the best!
poobear
Thanks. Seems to me that one of the major drugstores was on one of the “Do Not Buy” lists and had ownership connections to Soros. Thought it was CVS. May have been Walgreen’s.
I’m running out of places to shop. Quit buying office supplies from Office Depot because they contribute to a fund to provide counseling services to children who are subjected to relentless bullying “just because they are gay”. Switched to Staples but have a real hassle with their shipping every time because I want FedEx instead of UPS. UPS withdrew their financial support which was considerable from the Scouts because the Scouts doesn’t allow gay members or leaders. UPS is also union versus FedEx which isn’t.
Yeah, either that or I realize that I am not entitled to health insurance from anyone. My employer and I both contribute to the cost. Plus, the employer self-insures, so it is all coming from his budget, not some insurance tooth fairy.
It’s perfectly reasonable to have standards to be included in the “best” plan. It’s saving me and him money.
Note that this is all free and voluntary. Not the “mark of the beast.” Learn to distinguish private from public.
Fascism is why conservatives need to stop mindlessly supporting corporations. This is downright creepy.
If there is a charge if you do not comply, it is not “voluntary”. The fee will continue to increase, until it becomes mandatory.
Fascists...enacting the oppression and control of liberal “medicine” in the name of business. I’m boycotting the pigs.
CVS/Pharmacy Stores STOPPED Funding Funding the Boy Scouts of America - Last week, CVS Inc, which owns 4,133 drug stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia, including Columbus and Ohio, announced that the company will no longer provide funding for the Boy Scouts of America because of the BSA's policy of discrimination against gay youth and adults.
Simple.
I would not sign and I would not pay. If they deducted the money or fired me I would have them in court so fast...........
Thanks Tailgunner - I knew I had put CVS on my Do Not Buy list quite a while ago but couldn’t exactly remember why. The front porch part of my brain aka short-term memory on occasion becomes too full and things fall off into a huge black hole.
Also used to be easier when I didn’t shop at places because I didn’t like the quality of what they sold, now that is the least item of importance.
Included BykrBayb in this post too. Thanks again for the refresher.
OK, so CVS will just turn it around: reduce everybody's pay by $600 a year, and give a $600 bonus for giving over the info. The result is the same.
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