Employers utilizing biometric collection for individualized health care premiums
20 October, 2009
category: Biometrics, Health
Companies have begun taking measurements of employees health to hand out individualized premium discounts on health care costs for those reporting better health or enrolling in classes to improve their health, according to a Star Tribune article.
Most of the data being collected include blood pressure, cholesterol levels height, weight and a measure of obesity, which can also be known as biometric measurements, as well as non-biometric measurements such as smoking, diet and other behaviors that have adverse health effects.
Rather than handing out punishments to those in poor health, most companies are handling these as rewards for those keeping in good health. Additionally, many of the companies also offer those whose biometrics and behaviors do not qualify them for the premium discount classes on diet, exercise and quitting smoking so they can qualify.
Read the full story here.