Action | This action will amend section 1VAC 55 320(E) to include adults, other than spouses and incapacitated adult children, as participants in the Health Benefits Plan for State Employees |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 12/23/2009 |
I am most fascinated by the arguments against this proposal of those who claim they shouldn't have to support the "lifestyle" of those they disapprove of. Using that same logic:
1) People like me, who do not ski or participate in other active sports, should not have to subsidize the "lifestyle" of those who do; thus, sports injuries should be excluded from state health insurance policies.
2) People like me, who disapprove of excessive reproduction in a world suffering from massive overpopulation, should not have to subsidize the "lifestyle" of those who fail to practice birth control; thus, state-sponsored family health insurance coverage should be limited to parents and a maximum of 2 children.
3) People who do not consume alcohol shouldn't have to subsidize the "lifestyle" of those who do; therefore, any alcohol-related illness should be excluded from state-sponsored health insurance coverage.
4) People who do not smoke shouldn't have to subsidize the "lifestyle" of those who do; therefore, any tobacco-related illness should be excluded from state-sponsored health insurance coverage.
My point is this: insurance, by its very definition, means people are "sharing risks" with others with whom they disagree and who are making different life choices. It takes a lot of gall (and hypocrisy) for people to argue against making insurance available to those of whose "lifestyles" they "disapprove" -- but insist that all the unique health risks based on their own "lifestyle" be covered.