Free Republic

(CBS) It's lunchtime at the Scotts Miracle-Gro headquarters near Columbus, Ohio, and the eating is healthy. "I'll have some salmon," a worker said. That's because the company that helps Americans grow their gardens is trying to trim its workers waists — and $24 million pear year in health care costs. So there's a full time doctor and a new clinic, which is free to workers and families enrolled in the company medical plan. There is a drive through pharmacy with generic drugs — and right next door: the new gym. It's also free to those who work out more than twice...

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., looking for ways to hold down health insurance costs, will require workers who smoke to quit by October or lose their jobs. The lawn and garden company wants workers to live healthy lifestyles, said James Hagedorn, the company's chairman and chief executive. Scotts recently opened a $5 million fitness and medical facility. Scotts is joining other companies focusing on smokers to cut health insurance costs. Some companies make employees who smoke pay higher health insurance premiums, or don't hire them. "Why would we admit someone into this environment when they're passing risk along to everyone else? Our...

MARYSVILLE, Ohio -- Quit smoking, or you're fired. That's what Scotts Miracle-Gro is telling its employees. If they don't quit smoking by October, they'll lose their jobs. The lawn and garden company is trying to keep health insurance costs down by promoting healthy lifestyles for its employees. Its chairman and chief executive, James Hagedorn, said the company shouldn't have to shoulder health risks for employees who smoke. It pays for 75 percent of employees' health insurance. The Ohio-based company has 6,000 employees. It said it can fire smokers legally in 21 states. Workers who smoke can get free counseling, nicotine...

Scotts Miracle-Gro plan to fire smokers COLUMBUS, Ohio - Beginning next October, smoking will be significantly more expensive for employees of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. Lighting up, even at home, will cost them their jobs. Many other companies also are focusing on smokers, whether by raising their health-insurance premiums or not hiring them. Scotts took dramatic action because it wants to hold down health-insurance costs by "helping people live healthy lifestyles," said James Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive. The Marysville company pays for medical claims using its own funds, "so why would we admit someone into this environment when they're passing...