CVS asks workers to submit to medical screening!

BOSTON, Massachusetts (PNN) - March 19, 2013 - CVS Pharmacy is reportedly asking workers to submit to a medical screening or pay more for their health insurance.

CVS is giving its 200,000 employees an ultimatum: submit your Body Mass Index, your weight and other important health statistics to the company that provides their health insurance.

"I mean, I understand how corporations feel like it’s important to encourage wellness of their employees, but that seems a little intrusive," said Brian Doyle, who is against the policy.

Although CVS says it is completely voluntary, anyone who chooses not to weigh in will end up paying an extra $50 per month, or $600 a year more for benefits.

"If there was a benefit for submitting to the test that would be one thing but this is a penalty for not submitting to the test and that seems different to me," said Doyle.

But the company says the use of health screening is common practice these days. CVS says it is also a step towards helping "our colleagues take more responsibility for improving their health and managing health associated costs."

Yet many people feel it could be the difference between being employed or out on the street, which is why they don’t like the idea of giving out private information to anyone but their own medical professional.

“Not much is actually voluntary in the employment situation I don’t think. Voluntary means you better do it or we'll see you later,” said Dan Holmes.

Employees don’t have a lot of time to decide what they'll do. Their screening results are due by May 1.