Higher insurance costs not always due to smokers

The Standard-Examiner's "Our View, of Jan. 20, "Smoking and jobs," was more offensive than second-hand smoke!

As a smoker, I have been discriminated against since junior high school. I was told by authority figures because of my long hair and smoking habit that I could never be successful. Our government for decades has unfairly overtaxed smokers. I guess because we are sinners.

Thankfully, my employer has not subscribed to this repugnant train of thought. After 38 years of smoking, I have a college degree and have been a plant manager for more than 20 years. During my career, I have personally hired and fired (worst part of my job), hundreds if not a thousand people.

No doubt health care costs are affecting the bottom line. As a manager, I am more than happy to discuss excessive costs and improving the bottom line. I do this daily.

My experience has shown that smokers may get sick more often, but they have been some of our most productive workers.

Most companies provide breaks, these breaks easily accommodate the five minutes it takes for smokers to get their "fix." Yes, some smokers abuse it.

Our biggest loss of productivity is from individuals with other health issues and families.

Sick children, school, babysitter problems, medical issues, court, elder care, etc., cost companies much more than smokers.

It costs companies approximately $700 more per month to ensure a family instead of an individual.

That is $8,400 per year. Speaking of "fairness," is it fair that a family with two children pays the same rate for medical insurance as a family with five or more children?

One of my co-workers had testicular cancer. We all gave up something so he did not miss a day of pay. The insurance company called and asked me when I was going to fire him.

I was shocked when I figured out what their motive was, so they would not have to pay his bills anymore. I basically told them I would pay his premium out of my own pocket and to never call me again.

Don't get me started on the high costs of insurance. There is enough blame to go around. People are trying to live too long, doctors are charging too much, there are stupid insurance companies, lawyer involvement, and redundant treatments, etc.

Stop trying to blame just the smokers, helmet-less bikers and fat people. As I mentioned, there is enough to blame to go around.

As a manager, I learned a long time ago to accept people and try to help them with their demons and difficulties. After all diversity and teamwork, make us stronger as organizations.

Certainly, family size and medical issues caused by stupidity such as smoking, not eating and exercising right, poor diet, worrying and stressing, sleeping disorders, etc., are to some degree willful choices. Would the Standard's editorial board see nothing wrong if I discriminated against these folks as well as to enhance the bottom line?

Workplace discrimination in any form is wrong. The only thing people should be entitled to is a good education, opportunity and gainful employment to achieve self-reliance. For the Standard's editorial board to suggest that workplace discrimination in any form is acceptable is more sinful than anything I can imagine.

It is time Utah joins the majority of the states and enacts smoker-protection laws. I am not defending smokers' habits. I have experienced first-hand its negative effects. However, those who do not protect the rights and freedoms of others deserve none of their own. The Standard's editorial board should consider this in the future.

The last several days have been horrible. I learned to read and write by reading this newspaper. I still wake-up and go to my porch.

I only wish that 38 years ago the Standard had denied me the opportunity to deliver the paper because of my smoking habit.

Eric Stine is an Ogden resident. This column was signed by 64 other people.

Source: http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/02/13/higher-insurance-costs-not-always-due-smokers

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