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INCENTIVE BASED HEALTH INSURANCE

THE KID | SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 | HEALTH CARE REFORM

6 Comments

similar to some car insurers- has anyone thought to develop an incentive based health insurance. One that would pay back premiums if not used- Premise is similar to car insurance, and that if you are a careful driver with no incidents, that portions of your premiums are returned. THis way folks that only go for routine preventative care check-ups and live and maintain healthy lifestyles, then they should receive a reimbursement on their "investment"

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	Cary Bynum 09/18/2009 05:47:13 PM	I lke this
	Peter Czech 09/19/2009 03:01:00 PM	I have this on my car insurance, like you mention. We get dividend payments based on what money in the pool wasn't paid out to claims. Between people driving carefully for larger refunds, and the fact that my insurance company is picky about who they cover, it is a large percentage payout every year. Also, they don't advertise like the other companies, so there is no budget spent there. That = low cost insurance. Health companies should do the same, though, there is a difference between driving safe and an unfortunate illness, which would have to be considered. Also, you would have to make sure people don't avoid preventative care just for a larger refund, when that care could prevent more expensive problems later on.
	Jason Heller 09/20/2009 07:21:10 PM	Wow good points. Peter you made me think twice after I was initially TOTALLY sold on the idea, which seems so simple. But also it's these premiums from those of us who fortunately don't use a lot of insurance benefits that help to pay for th ehealthcare of those that do need it. I guess the preventative issue can be factored into some algorithm, the insurance copamnies are good at that kind of math! So complicated!
	Scott Ragan 09/25/2009 11:32:07 AM	As someone who tries to make good health decisions, I love this idea. As we can see by our society, the opportunity to be healthier and feel better is not a sufficient incentive. At the same time, does this type of structure penalize people of lower income or those living near or below the American poverty line? People falling into the middle or upper income bracket arguably have better dietary and activity choices available to them.
	Brad Pluhar 09/25/2009 02:08:06 PM	I really like this idea. Creating incentive to be healthier is a great idea. Although Peter your example of your car insurance has a minor problem. They are picky in who they insure would not translate into health insurance for everybody. But the main premise could be beneficial.
	Mary McElwain 11/09/2009 03:28:00 PM	This is a really good idea! Like a good drivers' insurance rate for not having any speeding tickets, people could realize a real benefit from staying healthy.

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