INDIANAPOLIS -- Workers at some of the best-known hospitals in Indianapolis may soon have to pay if they don’t measure up to their employer's health standards.

Starting in January, Clarian Health employees who use Clarian's medical insurance will pay a "health risk charge" -- $5 per paycheck -- if they smoke, Call 6 for Help's Rafael Sanchez reported Friday.

Also, in 2009, Clarian workers will submit to health screenings that will take weight, cholesterol and blood pressure into account. People deemed to have issues in these areas will pay higher insurance premiums, Sanchez reported.

Clarian's hospitals are Methodist Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children and the Indiana University Medical Center.

Sheriee Ladd, Clarian's senior vice president of human resources, said the move is being made partly because of rising costs associated with paying for employees' health care.

"If we as a responsible employer don't take some steps to help make our employees be more accountable, then our health-care costs will continue to skyrocket," Ladd said. "We cannot as an employer continue to shoulder those costs. No employer can."

To help employees make better choices and improve their health, Ladd said, Clarian is offering free services -- including access to nutritionists and exercise experts.

"They tailor-make a plan to help (employees) make better life choices," Ladd said.

The concept Clarian is using is not new. A growing number of employers are using similar policies, Sanchez reported.

Some people contacted Call 6 for Help, wanting to know whether Clarian's plan is legal. It is, according to state regulators and labor lawyers.

"Indiana is one of the worst states in the country for employees as far as employee rights go, so you usually start from the assumption that the employer can do what they want," labor attorney Amy DeBrota said.

Because Clarian's insurance policies are self-funded, state regulators have no power in this matter, Sanchez reported.

Some employees with unions could challenge Clarian's policies, depending on their labor contract.