Employer benefit

So my friend who lives in Texas said that in her county. The government in order to inspire healthy workers as an incentive told their employees that they will pay for gastric bypass for anyone who wanted to have it. Their reasoning is it will save them on healthcare costs in the long run.

On one hand I think its great for employees who want to have the surgery because its a free surgery. On the other hand I wonder if this is ethical? I think my problem with it is that the employer is assuming that gastric bypass is the solution for healthier workplace when while it could be helping employees get healthier , I think there are other programs they can promote to help their employees get healthier.

What do you think?

there are soooo many people who want and NEED this surgery and are being DENIED left and right.....I think it's great that this employer is making this option available, I don't see anything unethical about it.   Many more employers need to open their eyes and follow suit, IMO. 

I agree with you PurpleTB.

I don't think that the employers are saying its the only solution, per se.  I think they are putting that option out there for those who want it.  There are probably other less costlier options for your friend or anyone else, from the employer's p.o.v. 

I, like others here, think its a good thing that the employer is at least making wls an option in that, if done correctly, WILL prove to be cost effective for the gov't/employer in the long run, what with the cost to treat co-morbidities and the like. 

Just my opinion, though. :)

according to recent news, texas is number 1 for the most obese people in the state.  i believe texas is looking out for texas.  yes, it's good for them to provide the surgery for those who are desperately in need of it; however, as a state, texas is looking out for it's bottom line.  healthy states attract more employers due to lower healthcare cost to them.  i see it as a win/win for all involved.

I agress 1000%...Gastric Bypass long with other weight loss surgeries will not "save the world"... It is a process that is for a lifetime...My health insurance obviously covers WLS but they also have other options that individuals can partake in...Exercise, Weigh****chers, etc.

Girl you are coming down I didn't even recognize you. Had to read the name. Keep up the good work

Thanks Girl...It feels so good to hear that...You are doing great yourself...Keep up the good work.

Hey KT:
I also think it's a great idea, and of course I am sure that there are other (less expensive) options available to employees. Believe Me, there WON'T be a rush to take them up on this option (WLS). Many obese people do believe that they can lose weight without any help and have to hit rock bottom before they submit to doing WLS and a Lifestyle Change. I would like to see the complete agreement that an employee has to sign before getting the surgery. They are probably required to meet some pretty ridgid standards (in terms of education and maintenence) before and after surgery...which would be great, because total costs for an employee having WLS/testing/education is a big investment. I think it's also good because it forces people to look at their present Lifestyle around their physical health.

Who knows, at some point in the future regular jobs may require weight and fitness standards as a part of the job description (NOT as ridgid as positions like Public Safety Officers...) but some type of standard (hopefully inclusive of smoking). Many Non-Governmental companies already have these "Unwritten Standards."

I agree with purpletb too.  In many cases, particular areas of the country have a higher percentage of obese residence.  I agree that all avenues of weight loss should be explored along with the option of surgery, but to deny someone that option that clearly needs it, is criminal in my opinion and insurance companies do that on the regular. 

Now, insurance companies state that they deny gastric bypass surgery due to its risk of complications and death.  Not true.  They deny it because of its success!  The more success the surgery has, the more people who opt for surgery.  Let's face it folks, looking at your health from the long term perspective, that it is less expensive for you to have surgery than to medicate and hospitalize you in the long run, is not the view that insurance companies are looking at.  Drug companies make BILLIONS of dollars treating people for obesity.  Drug companies fund so many things in this country, it would astound you. It benefits them if you stay fat and eventually die from obesity related disease!

I sued my healthcare provider over a denial for my surgery and unfortunately, I lost.  My healthcare provider did so many unethical and frankly illegal things during my case that it even surprised my lawyers (Kelly and Walter Lyndstrom) and considering all that they have seen in their fight against insurance companies that says a hell of alot!  

So to hear about a governmental agency, town, county whatever that demands that insurance companies in their district step up to improve the health of their residence and pay for this surgery, all I can say is...wish I lived there!!  It would have saved me A LOT of money and time.