Comments on: Instead of old people, how about rationing care to fat people ?

By: John Donkey

John Donkey — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:24:03 +0000

Instead of rationing healthcare why not just ration food? This way you kill obesity, save food, save money and (now that you don’t have all the obesity) will also save on healthcare!

By: Sara

Sara — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:53:41 +0000

This post bothered me when I first read it, but not because I think you’re heartless. So, when I came across this article in the WSJ today, it brought your post back to me.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125702881246120983.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEADNewsCollection
I am more in favor of taxing junk food than charging obese people more for health care because I think that this would actually make the problem worse. I think there are a couple of issues here:
1 – Of all of the statistics you reported, I think you left out a very important one: the percentage of obese people who are also poor – I believe the two are highly correlated – http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/96634.php
2 – Therefore, charging higher rates for health insurance or premiums would only serve to exacerbate the problem
3 – Whereas, if fresh fruit and vegetables were and more accessible than cheaper than cheeseburgers and sodas, people would be incentivized financially to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

By: Should fat people pay more for health insurance? « The Homa Files

Should fat people pay more for health insurance? « The Homa Files — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:55:12 +0000

[...] Should fat people pay more for health insurance? By kenhoma I received several “you’re heartless” comments when I suggested that healthcare should be rationed to fat people (instead of rationing it to old people). http://kenhoma.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/instead-of-old-people-how-about-rationing-care-to-fat-people… [...]

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:34:56 +0000

Perhaps obesity and shorter life expectancy is the solution to our long term social security entitlement and federal solvency dilemma.

Here’s some data from the CDC which suggests that the obesity problem may have hit a plateau.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db01.pdf

Blame big businesses like McDonald’s for creating increasingly irresistible supersized meals and Starbucks for offering delicious high calorie drinks.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:53:54 +0000

Congratulations! You’ve been flagged and reported to the White House Communications Office Task Force for Fishy and un-Obamacan Health Care Related Activity.

Your non-approval has been noted and your dissent will be taken into consideration at the highest levels of the adminstrarion. We will also inform your Senators and Representative so they can be prepared in the event you choose attend a local town hall meeting. No further action of any kind is required on you part.

Have a hopeful day!