fat tax

So I read in the paper today that NC is going to start implementing increased health insurance fees for state employees who smoke or who have a BMI over 40. How about that? I keep going back and forth on how I feel about this. Is it totally unfair? Does it discriminate about fat people and addicts? Does it discriminate against the poor who don't have access to healthy food and can't afford gym memberships? Or don't have anything but convenience stores from which to buy food in their neighborhood?

I was born with a high metabolism, and I'm naturally thin. I can sit around and eat taco bell all day and not work out, and sure, I'll pack on a few (anyone who saw me at the senior prom would know that!) but I won't get a BMI over 40 that's for sure. So how is that fair?

BUT, when I was filling out insurance info for my new job, I saw how men pay nearly HALF of what women pay for the insurance program at my office. It isn't until women reach 50 I think that they pay less than men. So obviously it's luck of the draw if you're born a man or woman, and that discrepancy is allowed - based on the cost of care.

If you're going to charge people more for voluntarily (quotes around that or no quotes) putting themselves in a position where they will likely require more medical care, why not bump up the charges when someone becomes pregnant? Seriously. That situation will definitely put you in the hospital.

Thoughts?