Shelly Lessard

Insurers require height and weight, using BMI as one health metric to set life insurance rate classes.
Both high and low BMI can raise quotes, reflecting higher mortality risks tied to obesity or being underweight.
Typical premium impact vs excellent health:
Overweight: avg. ↑16% (range ↑14%–↑19%)
Obese: avg. ↑72% (range ↑68%–↑78%)
Recent weight loss may not fully count until stable ~1 yr; otherwise, insurers may add back half lost weight.
To seek lower costs: ask for re-rating, shop new policies, or use an independent agent; GLP-1 loss treated similarly.

Weight's Impact on Life Insurance Rates

H.R.1 added Medicaid work requirements for low-income adults 19–64, requiring 80 hours monthly to keep benefits.
Rules began in 2026–2027 for 41 ACA expansion states, but enforcement details are left largely to states.
Projected 2026 coverage losses: 4.6–5.2M adults
By 2034: up to 5M fewer enrollees
Federal spending ↓$300–344B
States can automate verification or require manual reporting; hardship exemptions, grace periods, and re-enrollment rules shape churn.
Early pilots showed little employment or coverage gain, but more disenrollment from administrative complexity.