See, this idea is not really coming from business owners, but from government nags and advocacy groups (the original article is behind a USA Today paywall, but, available in full at Yahoo News)
Tyson Foods, United Airlines, CNN, the U.S. military.
A wide variety of employers such as those four are imposing COVID vaccine mandates on their workers, and experts believe they’ll have a lot more company soon after the Food and Drug Administration gives the shots its full approval.
Some employers aren’t ready to impose mandates but may still penalize workers for not getting vaccinated, possibly by requiring them to pay an insurance surcharge costing several hundred dollars a year.
“I think they’ve decided that in order to get that needle to move, they need to do something more,†said Wade Symons, leader of the regulatory resources group at Mercer, an employee benefits consultancy. Big snip)
Could I face other penalties for not getting vaccinated?
Yes. This could include a surcharge on your health insurance.
Mercer’s Symons said clients have been contacting him asking about how to charge vaccinated employees more for their insurance to cover the costs of massive hospital bills.
“It’s something we’ve just started getting questions about in the last couple of weeks,†Symons said. “The number of questions has been surprising in the volume. This is something they’re more willing to take on. It’s less than a mandate.â€
Symons estimated that some workers could face an additional $20 to $50 per paycheck, though he said he would expect it to be on the lower end of that scale.
The unvaccinated would then be looking at hundreds of extra dollars a year for failing to Comply. BTW, how would they know? Those vaccination records are supposed to be private and not shared with companies or health insurance providers.
Could vaccine mandates backfire on employers?
Definitely. Employers recognize that resistance is particularly strong in some quarters. Nearly 3 in 10 American adults still haven’t gotten at least one dose.
Because vaccinations have become a political issue for a portion of Americans who continue to refuse them, employers could face mass resignations if they require shots. (Other employees are hesitant due to safety concerns and other fears.)
On the flip side, where do they go if lots and lots of employers in their field require vaccination, especially when the FDA approves the vaccines? Meanwhile, what the hell is this?
I’m 100% positive that this video will not influence anyone to get the vaccine at all. LOL https://t.co/sPrsOefMwC
— Bryan McNally (@BryanDMcNally) August 9, 2021
This is pretty much a tacit admission on the behalf of the Biden administration that the people who aren't getting vaxxed aren't Republicans, because this isn't meant to appeal to the Right. https://t.co/ZKTPgyYKNI
— Eric Spencer (@JustEric) August 9, 2021
PS: I recommend people get vaccinated. I’m not in favor of use of force to do so. You make your decision, I’ll make mine.
Read: Hot New Idea To Force Vaccine Compliance: Businesses Charging More For Health Insurance »