The Times West Virginian

Local News

November 1, 2009

Manchin: ‘No horribly offensive fat tax’

Governor: Priorities are helping wellness and the quality of life

By Katie Wilson

FAIRMONT — As the insurance provider for thousands of state employees and many more retirees, it’s big news when the state Public Employees Insurance Agency decides to change its financial plan for the next year.

This year is no exception. There are three changes to the plan for this year but one is receiving a lot more attention than the other two.

It’s been dubbed the “fat tax,” and it’s a measure that would permit PEIA to give those employees considered “healthy” a discount while making employees with risk factors pay the full price. The plan would require state employees to provide information on their blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels and — the source of the nickname — waist circumference.



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