Due to studies suggesting vegetarians have stronger immune systems and are 40% less likely to get cancer, as well as recent outbreaks of E.coli traced to a Vermont slaughterhouse, PETA is urging Blue Cross of Vermont to lower insurance rates for vegetarians, while increasing those for meat eaters.
To make the point, PETA’s Executive Director Tracy Reiman sent a letter to Bill Milnes Jr., president of Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Vermont.
“Given the latest news about the effects of E.coli on meat-eaters — and the mountain of evidence linking meat consumption to some of our nation’s deadliest diseases — this change will benefit Blue Cross Blue Shield’s bottom line while also helping to ensure that your policyholders don’t flat line,” Reiman wrote.
“By giving your policyholders a financial incentive to go vegetarian – and penalizing those whose meat-based diets fuel our nation’s worst health problems – Blue Cross Blue Shield can save millions of dollars in the long run as your members begin to require fewer cholesterol-lowering medications, chemotherapy treatments, and diabetes drugs,” the letter concluded.
But according to Kevin Goddard, vice president of external affairs for Blue Cross, it doesn’t appear they’ll be taking PETA’s suggestion any time soon.
“Under Vermont law, we would not be allowed to vary rates based on the dietary and nutritional habits of various members.” he said.
Along with a “guaranteed issue” law that requires insurers to offer coverage for all persons in the state, the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration web site also lists a “community rating,” which stops the companies from making a person pay more for their coverage because of age, location or health condition.
Photo Credit: jenn_jenn on Flickr under Creative Commons license.
I have to agree with PETA. Now I could give a crap less about the animals. I used to be a vivid meat eater. 200 grams of protein a day for 7+ years. Roast every Sunday as a kid, my Dad said meat is an important part of the diet.
My mom had osteoporosis and reversed it by removing all animal products from her diet. Her doctors were floored. She tried to convince me to do the same. I thought she had gone insane. My dad passed away from cancer, my grandfather, and now my aunt has it. Not good for me. In a graduate class I was required to read a book that changed my life: The China Study.
I stopped eating meat. And I have been healthier, I don’t get sick near as much. My allergies are better, and I have not lost muscle mass. I have actually gained mass (amateur weightlifter). Ask me to stop eating meat 5 years ago and I would have called you crazy. Now, I am a believer of its health benefits.
well PETA, maybe this will change your mind…
http://www.asylum.com/2008/09/15/a-vegertarian-diet-shrinks-the-brain/
I think PETA just means let me get some Meat with my vegetables. Good ol meat is amazing and I say he veggie lovers eat a steak you’ll feel better.
I was very unhealthy on a vegan diet. It was actually a raw vegan diet because I cannot get gluten, soy, most other grains, sugar, corn and other substances vegans love so much. Between the heart palpations, very painful and heavy periods, hair loss and more, fatigue, I had to give that up. Bring on the pastured eggs, wild fish and grass fed meat!
Balance is key.
“Given the latest news about the effects of E.coli on meat-eaters — and the mountain of evidence linking meat consumption to some of our nation’s deadliest diseases —”
There is also a mountain of evidence showing incontroverisble proof that 100% of all cancer sufferers have, throughout their lives, breathed a combination of nitrogen and oxygen, and have on several instances exposed themselves to dihydrogen monoxide, a known solvent that is deadly when inhaled.
If I recall correctly, there were recently news stories about vegan children dying of malnutrition because their parents fed them soy milk. How’s that for great insurance statistics?
Just imagine how many people will insist they are vegetarians when it comes time to renewing their insurance!
Here’s a good reason why vegetarians should have higher insurance rates!!!
http://www.asylum.com/2008/09/15/a-vegertarian-diet-shrinks-the-brain/
Good first step but the problem goes deeper than this. Meat eaters and milk drinkers are a larger per capita cause of global warming than vegans are. So meat eaters do not just harm and kill animals, then also negatively affect our environment more than other yet aren’t prepared to bear their fair share of the burden for repairing it. The only fair solution would be a 40+ % meat tax – now!
Okay, try to avoid the f-word and the 4-letter c-word, deal? Wow!
If I may step into the fray, it’s a bit of a generalization. See, I eat only pastured, grassfed, humane meats that are lower in fat and higher in nutrition. So, why would I pay more just as if I were eating the feedlot variety?
Thus, I think it is a rather inflammatory generalization on PETA’s behalf. Further, if a vegan diet requires supplements that are expensive, why should this be covered on a flex plan, etc. It’s a cost omnivore’s don’t incur. See, the logic is flawed from both sides with a few glaring loopholes.
Perhaps PETA’s rather misguided energy might be put to better use for a more pressing concern: I suggest they immediately shift their focus and name to People for the Ethical Treatment of Other People.
Oh, and isn’t that a little thing called Descrimination?