Hi all,
Thanks for your comments. Brad is correct that the Association, along with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, did oppose the bill. Here is an official statement from us, released the day afterward, which explains why this was the case:
Last night, The Daily Show with comedian Jon Stewart featured a segment that parodied the legislative gridlock in Congress by chronicling the story of a bill that did not become law. In its attempt to shed light on the often entertaining legislative process, the segment unfortunately took comedic license with the facts as they relate to the positions and actions of the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association.
The segment focused on H.R. 3472, a bill introduced in 2009 by Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) that was described as providing incentives through reduced health care premiums to people who exercise. In fact, the bill would have allowed employers and health insurers to reduce or raise health care premiums by thousands of dollars based on a person’s specific health condition, such as his or her blood pressure, smoking status, cholesterol, weight or blood sugar. (The word “exercise” was not in the bill.) The impact of these provisions would have been to penalize people with pre-existing health conditions and certain health risks who could not meet these targets by charging them more for their health care. In addition, the legislation would have applied to health plans sold in the individual market, where people do not have the support of a formal workplace wellness program to help them achieve these goals.
Our organizations are strong supporters of comprehensive wellness and health promotion programs that utilize incentives, such as discounted gym memberships, for employees who participate in them. However, we oppose the use of penalties based on a person’s health status, especially when the penalties are tied to health care premiums. Doing so could open the door to discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions, including those who are genetically predisposed to those conditions, and to those who face obstacles to accessing healthy food and a safe place to exercise. Most importantly, it could make health care less affordable for those who need it most.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association worked with Rep. Dahlkemper’s office to strengthen her well-intended legislation, and we carefully explained our position to The Daily Show as they were preparing the segment. Although the bill, like many other legislative proposals, did not pass Congress for numerous reasons, similar language was enacted into law under the Affordable Care Act. We continue to work openly and constructively with lawmakers to encourage healthy lifestyles and improve access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
Hope that makes sense and sheds some light on the situation.
Cheers,
Matt Emery (ADAMateo)
Community Administrator
American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
Feel free to email me (community@diabetes.org) if you have questions about the community or the variety of programs and online resources available from our Association. Please note, however, as a matter of precaution that I do not have diabetes.
