Delta Air Lines Increases Health Insurance Costs for Unvaccinated Staff

Delta Air Lines has announced a hike in health insurance premiums for employees who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. The airline’s decision comes in response to the staggering expenses associated with treating employees who are hospitalized due to the virus, which is largely preventable with vaccination.

Despite existing measures like weekly testing and mandatory mask-wearing, some employees remain unvaccinated. In a bid to encourage vaccination, Delta will impose a $200 monthly increase on health insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees starting November 1, 2021. CEO Mark Thompson emphasized that this move is necessary to manage the financial burden of COVID-19 hospitalizations among unvaccinated staff.

Current Health Protocols

Currently, all employees are required to wear masks indoors, and unvaccinated individuals will also need to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing starting September 12, 2021. Thompson pointed out that every Delta employee who has been hospitalized with COVID-19 was unvaccinated. “The average cost for a hospital stay related to COVID-19 is around $50,000 per person,” Thompson noted in a memo to staff. The airline will also discontinue “COVID pay protection” for unvaccinated employees who contract the virus, meaning they must use their sick days instead of receiving paid time off.

Future Hiring Policies

Furthermore, Delta has decided to only hire vaccinated individuals moving forward. Although current employees are not mandated to get vaccinated, the new policies will make it less convenient for them to continue their employment. Thompson mentioned that approximately 75% of Delta’s workforce is already vaccinated, and he aims to increase that number as much as possible, especially in light of the aggressive nature of the latest variant.

Personal Freedoms and Employment Options

While some may argue that these policies infringe on personal freedoms, it’s important to remember that employees have the option to seek employment elsewhere if they disagree with the company’s stance. For those interested in the journey of parenthood, you can check out some valuable insights on pregnancy statistics at this link and discover authority resources on fertility at this link. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy week by week, visit this excellent resource.

Conclusion

In summary, Delta Air Lines is taking a firm stance on vaccination by increasing health insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees and implementing stricter health protocols. This decision aims to mitigate financial risks associated with COVID-19 while encouraging a higher vaccination rate among staff.