By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-986070.mp3
Dallas, TX – Starting in January, Dallas County employees who smoke will pay more for health insurance. KERA's BJ Austin says it's a growing trend in health coverage.
Dallas County Human Resources Director Mattye Mauldin Taylor told County Commissioners the "smoker pays" approach is in effect in nearly a dozen states, Texas included.
Taylor: For the first time in their history, the state of Texas adopted the same type of program. Charging additional monies for smoking is not a new trend anymore. It's becoming more of the standard practice.
Commissioner Cantrell: But we're not charging for smoking. We're giving a discount for not smoking.
Commissioner Price: It's the same.
Taylor: It's the same.
Price: Yeah.
Non-smokers will get an automatic 50 dollar a month discount on their insurance premiums. Smokers pay the higher monthly premium. The county expects the discount will prompt some employees to quit smoking and eventually save the County half a million dollars a year in medical costs. The Centers for Disease Control says smokers cost health insurance programs 18% more than non-smokers.
But Commissioner Mike Cantrell sees a slippery slope that might target overweight employees next.
Cantrell: Is this the first step toward a number of steps, such as weight and everything else. And that's what some people are wanting to know.
County Judge Clay Jenkins says there's a two-fold bottom line.
Jenkins: A healthier workforce, less absenteeism and ultimately save the taxpayers money.
Denton County will offer its employees a 50 dollar non-smoking discount next year, as well.
In Tarrant County, officials say they don't "penalize smokers". Collin County offers insurance premium discounts for annual physicals.