Clarian health plan makes the unfit pay more - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - Get healthy, or pay. An Indiana-based health care chain is giving its employees a different kind of incentive to shape up. Clarian hopes the result will be healthier employees and lower health care costs. The plan is sparking a controversy that now getting national attention.

The readings taken from health screening will determine how much Clarian employees pay for health care. A new program to take effect in 2009 penalizes employees who smoke, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol by making them pay more for their premiums.

Clarian's president and CEO Daniel Evans says the idea is not to make money but to manage high health care costs and improve the health of its 26,000 employees.

"If one diabetic improves their health it will save us and the individual thousands of dollars a year," said Daniel Evans, Clarian president and CEO.

Starting this year, Clarian employees are required to go through health screenings checking for things like blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Those who need to make changes have about a year and a half to do it. Employees who don't meet Clarian's standards in those areas as well as smoking and weight pay $5 to $10 more per paycheck for their health premiums.

The program is unique in that it penalizes rather than rewards the employee, and it's what garnered national attention when Clarian's chief defended the program to Matt Lauer Friday morning on Today.

Evans referenced an employee, Marsha Vorhis, who utilized Clarian's Weight Watchers at work program and lost more than 30 pounds. She was, however, a little embarrassed at the attention. "Oh, he did not just say my name and my weight!" she said.

Vorhis credits the penalty program for keeping her motivated. "At first I was a little upset. Now I'm happy. Now I will stick to my goal." She also believes the program will get other employees on a healthier track.

But some argue even the best programs can't help those genetically predisposed to certain health issues. "Yes, I do feel punishment because I can't afford to pay," said one Clarian employee.

With Indiana ranking fourth in the nation for obesity and second for smoking, one of its largest employers hopes to manage skyrocketing health care costs with a shape up or pay up philosophy.

Clarian says employees whose doctors certify they cannot meet the requirements because of a medical condition do not have to pay the extra premium.