According to an article in today's USA Today, UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH)'s United Healthcare has created a health insurance program that charges overweight smokers up to two grand more per year for health insurance. The sin premium adds a stick component to the wellness program carrot.This idea seems like one that could be dramatically expanded, too. Tying behavior to insurance costs could be a great way to rein in our burgeoning expenses. How about:
- Doubling collision coverage cost for cell-phone drivers, lipstick appliers, and chicken-nugget dunkers?
- Eliminating coverage of hearing aids for iPod users?
- Reducing the coverage of carpal tunnel surgery for text messagers and video gamers?
- Demanding a higher premium for skin cancer coverage from frequent beach-goers?
- Refusing to cover the cost of treating high blood pressure for golfers?
- Raising the premium for allergy treatments for farmers?
- Extending the copay for dentistry for those found to chew sugar gum, tobacco, or nougat?
- Charging more for dermatology visits for those who choose to depilate "down there"?
- Increasing the cost for hair transplants for those who choose to have multiple children?
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