Big Brother Comes To The Private Sector in Des Moines

In effort to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the cost of healthcare, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa has decided for its workers and future workers to call it quits.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is sending that message to potential employees in a policy that will go into effect June 1.

The insurer will "require applicants to assert that they are tobacco-free in order to be considered for a position," said Rob Schweers, spokesman for Wellmark, which employs approximately 1,600 people in Des Moines and another 200 throughout the rest of the state.

Wellmark is asking existing employees to stop using tobacco by Oct. 1. The new policy also prohibits any smoking during work hours, including scheduled breaks and during lunch.


While The Right Guy believes that businesses can set standards as to what can be done on work property and on work time, I also believe that what you do off hours is your own business. Of course new employees will know ahead of time what the deal is, and therefore not apply or work for the company if they so chose based on the policy, it is onerous to expect that current employees quit smoking, not matter "the good intent" and "greater good" the company believes it is doing.

This is one more example of organizations, such as the government and private enterprise, infringing on people's privacy and personal lives. What's next? Alcohol? Weight? Driving too fast? How about wearing a helmet if they ride a motorcycle? Too many children? I can see these do gooders and big brother advocates pushing such agendas in government and private enterprise. It would seem that feudalism is creeping back into our society, a modern combination feudalism, socialism and authoritarianism.

"We're most concerned about the health of our employees, but we do know health care costs are higher for people who smoke," he said. "It is our hope that this policy provides incentive for people to quit, which will result in a healthier, more productive work force."


Well Rob, I hope you wear it well. Your fabian views will not serve you well in the long run as you will cut out a sizable portion of the population that wouldn't work there not only because they do not smoke, but also because your company is oppressive, arrogant, and socialist. I know I wouldn't work there for any amount of money.

I also want to say that I do not smoke, I do wear a helmet when I ride, and I have lost a lot of weight, although I do like to go fast, make a lot of kids. Freedom is at stake, and these arrogant progressive bastards need to be pushed back at every instance. Where is the ACLU when you need them? They are noticeably absent when it involves activities that are deemed politically incorrect, like smoking, guns rights, etc. Obviously they are off tilting at windmills.

Thank you for reading this blog.