Lowndes Eyes Ways to Encourage Better Health for Workers

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — Lowndes County employees may soon get a little incentive to live healthier lives.

Supervisors today agreed to pursue a deal with the YMCA that would provide membership discounts if five or more county workers joined the agency. The Y has three facilities in the county.

Healthier living would pay long-term dividends in lower insurance premiums for both the county and workers.

Supervisors suggested they may discuss other incentives such as a surcharge for smokers that might encourage workers to stop smoking. Many companies charge workers as much as $100 a month more for health insurance premiums to cover the additional health costs often associated with smoking and as a way to encourage workers to give up cigarettes.

They also offer incentives to help workers stop smoking.

The county has more than 300 employees.

Categories: Local News

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