Call the National Information Center at 1-800-411-BLUE (2583) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. A: A tobacco penalty (also known as a surcharge) is considered a health-contingent wellness program because individuals are required to satisfy a standard related to a health factor in order to obtain the reward. The blog post likened the health insurance surcharge for unvaccinated employees to those for tobacco users. Should smokers pay more for health insurance? FOR BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF GEORGIA (BCBSGa) AND UNITEDHEALTHCARE MEMBERS It takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements. But if they do use tobacco, the surcharge can result in unaffordable health insurance premiums for these applicants. For most Blue Cross members: Quitting tobacco and vaping support line Call toll-free 1-888-662-BLUE (2583) Hours: Mon. The ACA allows tobacco surcharges, but some states limit them. 0000033336 00000 n Through the Tobacco Cessation Incentive Program, eligible members can get support and prescription drugs and/or over-the-counter tobacco (OTC) cessation products at no cost. If you have questions about how the health reform law will affect you and your insurance options, please go to HealthCare.gov, or contact their Help Center at 1-800-318-2596 if you have questions . Page topic: "READY. Kaiser Family Foundation. The protection of your privacy will be governed by the privacy policy of that site. } Eligible members can obtain tobacco cessation counseling from their primary care providers, as well as at their local CVS MinuteClinic. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. If an individuals personal physician states that a plan standard (including, if applicable, the recommendations of the plans medical professional) is not medically appropriate for that individual, the plan must provide a reasonable alternative standard that accommodates the recommendations of the individuals personal physician with regard to medical appropriateness. He also reports regularly for National Public Radios Robin Hood Radio and Parade magazine to help people make better health care decisions and save money, too. An affidavit is a means by BCBS recognizes doctors and hospitals for their expertise and exceptional quality in delivering care. Plans may not seek physician verification for health-contingent programs. 0000000936 00000 n 2023 Obamacare Subsidy Chart and Calculator, ACA Eligibility Mistakes and Subsidy Repayment, 7 Healthcare Options If You Lose Your Obamacare Subsidy, Marketplace Insurance vs. To live free of worry, free of fear, because you have the strength of Blue Cross Blue Shield companies behind you. The 1996 New York Health Care Reform Act (NYHCRA) provided for two levies: A surcharge on defined claims for indigent care and health care initiatives; An assessment fee for Graduate Medical Education (GME), based on New York state residency. This means that a tobacco surcharge should be accompanied with some effort by the group health plan to help tobacco users get healthy. function isChecked(){ 0000002022 00000 n Moreover, the time commitment required for the reasonable alternative standard must be reasonable. This program is available to members with PPO or HMO coverage. ENROLL! We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. However, they cannot raise your copayments or coinsurance. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If you are eligible for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program, enter the first three letters or numbers of your member ID here to access your international claim form and instructions. Non-Discrimination Statement and Foreign Language AccessCopyright {{ new Date().getFullYear() }} All rights reserved.BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Residents of California should use this form: CCPA Personal Information Request. function isChecked(){ Health insurers consider you a smoker, subject to a hefty premium surcharge if you used any tobacco products four or more times a week in the past six months. The idea is if an employee contracts COVID-19, it could lead to higher healthcare costs . if (document.getElementById('inArticle_hc-radio1').checked == true){ Don't have your card? 2018 Mar;37(3):473-481. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2017.1062, Bains J, Pesko MF, Maclean JC, Cook BL. That depends on your plan. Complementary Content $ . If youre not honest about tobacco, you risk being charged with insurance fraud. 97 0 obj <> endobj contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company. If we look at the nationwide average pre-subsidy premium in 2020, it's about $576 per month for health plans sold in the exchange. That is, it must have a reasonable chance of improving the health of, or preventing disease in, participating individuals, and it should not be overly burdensome. While we make every effort to keep the Provider Finder "up-to-date," it is always best to confirm any provider information you select from this utility with your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield representatives. . Health insurance surcharges for tobacco use declined among small employers In 2018. For example, requiring attendance nightly at a one-hour class would be unreasonable. Tobacco users will pay a surcharge for their health plan coverage beginning July 1, 2022. CITY OF SAN ANTONIO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS GUIDE - INSIDE: HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS, HEALTH PLANS & HELPFUL TOOLS - The City of San Antonio". Money Saving Health Insurance Tips for Spouses. } else { During enrollment, you answered questions about tobacco usage. 0000001332 00000 n Our editorial staff is comprised of industry professionals and experts on the ACA, private health insurance markets, and government policy. For more information, visit our COVID-19 information page. If you're paying a tobacco surcharge and you've kicked the habit at least six months ago, you can update your information when your health plan renews for the coming year (either through the exchange, directly through your health insurer, or through your employer, depending on how you get your health coverage). Earn Rewards and Avoid the $80 Monthly Tobacco Surcharge on Your Medical Insurance Team members with the Baptist BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) insurance plan can earn up to $300 in rewards for working toward a healthier lifestyle and avoid an $80 monthly tobacco surcharge on their medical insurance plan. Substance Use Treatment & ResourcesLearn more about substance use disorders and find a treatment provider that meets your needs. Follow these steps: Once we receive and process this form, well remove the surcharge for the next billing cycle. "There's a very clear line we can draw . Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companyfor details regarding billing. By continuing to use this website, you consent to these cookies. The subscriber will pay one surcharge, regardless of the number of tobacco users covered under his insurance. Our mission is to provide information that will help everyday people make better decisions about buying and keeping their health coverage. Plan members need to attest to their tobacco status in their Virgin Pulse portal by May 31, 2022. The extra money being saved by participation is impossible to pass up given their financial situation. If you answered yes, you may be paying a 20 percent surcharge. If you don't make this change, the tobacco surcharge will apply when the plan automatically renews. Member Discounts Take advantage of member-only discounts on health-related products and services. These members will be responsible for paying a tobacco surcharge equal to 20 percent of their total monthly premium beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Please review the terms of use and privacy policies of the new site you will be visiting. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel for any advice or compliance determinations needed on specific situations. UNITEDHEALTHCARE MEMBERS . You may submit your information through this form, or call 855-617-1871 to speak directly with licensed enrollers who will provide advice specific to your situation. Check your policy at bcbsnc.com for more details. Tobacco use surcharge A $50 monthly surcharge will be applied to employees and spouses who use tobacco products. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Affidavit of Domestic Partnership for Benefits Eligibility When you add domestic partner coverage to your benefit program, the employee and his or her domestic partner must meet certain eligibility criteria. Instead, the insurance companies generally charge tobacco users 10-20 percent higher rates. Some states have taken action to prohibit or modify the tobacco surcharge, reducing its impact within those states. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The PAC amount for HIP Plus members is based on household income in one of five tiers below. Will My Uninsured Medical Expenses Count Toward My Deductible? As a result, if a tobacco cessation program offers an incentive to test for a chemical related to tobacco use, the program must be mindful of the ADA voluntary requirement. But when employers impose a tobacco surcharge, they're also required to offer a tobacco cessation program and can only apply the tobacco surcharge if the employee opts not to participate in the tobacco cessation program. Not all states have the same Tobacco Rating rules. She also serves at The George Washington Universitys Milken School of Public Health as an adjunct professor. Blue Connect: EPO. If you smoke or vape or chew tobacco regularly, you can count on being hit with a hefty premium increase of up to 50%, either at work or if youre buying an Affordable Care Act (ACA) Obamacare plan on the Exchange Marketplace. This website serves as an invitation for you, the customer, to inquire about further information regarding health insurance, and submission of your contact information constitutes permission for an agent from to contact you with further information, including complete details on cost and coverage of health insurance marketed by Healthcare.com Insurance Services, LLC or HealthCare, Inc. subsidiary Pivot Health Holdings, LLC. But it dropped to just 4% as of 2018. Tracking your activities is an important part of learning how to become tobacco-free. Menu Home; Rankings. if (document.getElementById('inArticle_hc-radio1').checked == true){ rights reserved.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross } Blue Shield Association. The cessation program must be reasonably designed to promote health or prevent disease. Once you are insured, remember that smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death, so you should consider taking advantage of the free cessation programs that can help protect you and the health of those close to you. The ACA specifically includes an allowable 1.5-to-1 ratio for tobacco use, meaning that individual and small group health insurers can charge tobacco users up to 50% more than non-tobacco users. Intentional misrepresentation in response to the tobacco surcharge question or failure to notify SHBP of changes to your response to the tobacco surcharge question will have significant consequences, including: An official website of the State of Georgia. Learn more about our Total Care and Blue Distinction Specialty Care designation programs and find a designated doctor or hospital that meets your needs. if (document.getElementById('inArticle_hc-radio1').checked == true){ 0000006154 00000 n 0000006664 00000 n the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements through your well-being vendor Sharecare as . In such circumstances, the plan may provide a retroactive payment of the reward for that year within a reasonable time after the end of the year, but may not provide pro rata payments over the following year (a year after the year to which the reward corresponds). Under the deal, the tobacco industry agreed to pay the state and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota more than $6.5 billion, among other provisions. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association does not have access to member information. If you are eligible for the Federal Employee Program (your member ID starts with the letter R immediately followed by numbers), your overseas claim form and instructions can be found here. outlined on page 2. Members enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and the United HealthCare Plans may access the online You can also view a listing of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies who participate inMedicare AdvantageandPrescription Drugchoices. Health-contingent programs are further divided between activity-only and outcomes-based programs. 0000005920 00000 n If you have doubts, contact your health insurance company and discuss your e-cigarette habits. Penalizing employees who use tobacco may further disadvantage these individuals and arguably, these disadvantaged individuals may need an employers help the most. Members Currently Not Paying the Tobacco Surcharge:If a member is not currently paying the tobacco surcharge and does not make an active election during Open Enrollment, the current enrollment will default to the new Plan Year and the member will continue to not pay the tobacco surcharge. Independence Blue Cross offers products through its subsidiaries Independence Hospital Indemnity Plan, Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company, and with Highmark Blue Shield independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Barbara J. Zabawa is the founder and president of the Center for Health and Wellness Law, LLC, a law firm dedicated to improving legal access and compliance for the health and wellness industries. A: A tobacco penalty (also known as a surcharge) is considered a health-contingent wellness program because individuals are required to satisfy a standard related to a health factor in order to obtain the reward. - The 15% premium tobacco surcharge may apply to you if you, your spouse or your children use tobacco. Will Unvaccinated People Have to Pay More for Health Insurance? Connecticut also prohibits tobacco surcharges, but only for health plans sold in the state's health insurance exchange (Access Health CT). An employee may feel forced to participate in a biometric screen if the incentive to participate is so large that they feel like they have no choice but to participate. return 'medicare'; It means that any premium surcharge for tobacco use must not be so large that an employee feels forced to participate in the biometric screen. Although its nearly unheard of for an insurer or employer to actively investigate whether you smoke, your doctor will probably note tobacco use in your medical records as a result of routine blood and urine analysis. There are several available. 0000014916 00000 n 0000013746 00000 n BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Family size: Each person has their own premiums. Adults who use tobacco products and are enrolled in Medi-Cal Managed Care (Medi-Cal) are covered for all FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications. Samara Lorenz, Director, Oversight Group. We are commited to protect and respect your privacy. Health coaches are available: Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. We adhere to strict editorial standards to provide the most accurate and unbiased information. rights reserved.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross All Rights Reserved. Your medical coverage is provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA). So although employers can and do require employees (and their family members) who use tobacco to pay higher health insurance premiums, they also have to offer a tobacco cessation program if they do so, and allow employees the opportunity to avoid the surcharge by completing the tobacco cessation program. Blue Shield Association. They contend that many smokers begin the habit before they are 18. *You must meet age requirements for prescribed tobacco cessation drugs to receive this benefit. The EX Program qualifies as a reasonable alternative standard and has helped over 940,000 tobacco users build the skills and confidence for a successful quit. Tobacco Surcharge The tobacco surcharge applied to certain employees' health insurance premiums is $80 per month, or $960 per calendar year. Call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is an official website of the State of Georgia. Discover all the ways members can earn wellness incentives and rewards for taking an active role in their health. 0000010668 00000 n First step: set a goal to quit with the Online Health Coach by selecting a quit date within the benefit year and completing all seven quit plan questions. Non-Discrimination Statement and Foreign Language AccessCopyright {{ new Date().getFullYear() }} All Health Insurance Alabama | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama During the Public Health Emergency (PHE), over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 FDA-authorized test kits are covered for eligible members and will be reimbursed with no member cost share based on the federal guidance. Across all exchange enrollees, 86% qualify for premium subsidies that amount to an average of nearly $492 per month. Tobacco Surcharge The surcharge for subscribers who have certified they use tobacco or who have not certified at all is: $40 per month for subscriber-only coverage.$60 per month for a subscriber with dependent coverage. In addition, if you intend to quit tobacco use as you should for your health and those around you cessation programs are included as preventive care under the ACAs 10 essential health benefits. Note that we cannot remove it retroactively. Non-Tobacco User Discount (IB05) - Apply for the Non-Tobacco User Discount Tobacco Cessation (IB06) - Apply for Annual . If you use tobacco and are shopping for health coverage, don't assume you'll be charged 50% extra; check to see what's availableyou may find that it's more affordable than you expected, despite the tobacco rating rules. Because inhaler products lack tobacco, e-cigarette users may wonder whether they must identify themselves as smokers when signing up for health insurance. } else { Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), group health plans (and self-insured employers) can charge tobacco users up to 50% more for their health insurance premiums than non-tobacco users, and when they do this it is called a tobacco surcharge. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements. Deductible (per person) Individual . Even such soft fraud is considered a misdemeanor and can result in sentences of probation, community service or even time in jail. Can My Employer Reimburse My Individual Health Insurance Premiums? SET. return 'health'; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on disability or perceived disability. Authorities note that more than 2,000 people from age 13 and up got sick from vaping last year and over 50 died. The ACA divides wellness program activities into 2 groups: participatory and health-contingent. The default benefits coverage for a salaried employee are as listed: Basic Life Insurance 1.5 x salary Medical - Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO (National) - Employee only Smoker Surcharge - Yes Dental - MetLife Preventive Dental - Employee only Business Travel and Accident -basic coverage Long Term Disability - 50% coverage return 'health'; hbbd```b``"I r,&&X""Y%(0 &mV3dl=bH)@g&@"@;$30N` @ Although the text of the ACA includes a provision to allow higher premiums for tobacco users, it does not clarify exactly what constitutes tobacco use. Be sure to have your account number, paperwork and any important information such as dates ordoctor references handy when you call. Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care: Whats the Difference? return 'health'; Call WebMD at 1-855-326-5102 to determine your eligibility and schedule your first call. Tobacco Surcharges - Legal Rules Employers may consider implementing a smoking cessation program to encourage their employees to stop smoking or using tobacco products. Your rates will then be adjusted for the coming year to reflect the removal of the tobacco surcharge. If that is how employees feel, they may be compelled to complain to the EEOC that the companys wellness program violates the ADA. Each one of our Blue Cross and Blue Shield independent licensees (our member companies) collect and provide information for our PPO finder via different timetables and methods. Older people are charged more than younger people, with a cap of three times the rates that apply to a 21-year-old, and smaller premiums for people under the age of 21. You must enroll in or complete a quit tobacco program. An official website of the State of Georgia. return 'health'; You will also find more detail about the benefit and the support that is available to help you quit successfully. If youve been tobacco-free for at least six months, be sure to update this information on your application at www.HealthCare.gov. Frequently Asked Questions | Blue Cross Blue Shield Home Learn Frequently Asked Questions Looking to find answers to your billing, claim forms, and other questions? 29 32 The State Health Plan now offers Tobacco Cessation Counseling benefits for its members with health care coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurers can charge higher premiums for tobacco users. Obviously, I expected the premium to be higher than the estimate and budgeted accordingly. The surcharge ($80 per month) applies if the member or any of the . 0000005629 00000 n Overview Tobacco Cessation Incentive Program Tobacco Cessation Incentive Program If you're ready to quit smoking or vaping or using tobacco, we can help you every step of the way. The Online Health Coach can help you manage common triggers such as stress, certain foods and emotions and help you develop your Quit Plan to reach your health goals. HealthCareInsider COVID-19 Attitudes Survey 2022 Key Findings 39% of Americans think life function isChecked(){ ACA Tax Question: Who Can You Claim as a Dependent? So if you smoke or vape, you need to understand the legislation and the probable higher costs of your health insurance. Call your Horizon Health Guide at 1-800-414-SHBP (7427), weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), or sign in to chat or send an email. This charge will remain through the end of the benefit year. %PDF-1.4 % 0000004589 00000 n We use cookies on this website to give you the best experience and measure website usage. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Dont do it. This might be through providing follow-up information or advice designed to improve the health of tobacco using employees. While rates of cigarette use continue to decline in Minnesota, rates of e-cigarette and smokeless tobacco products use remain steady, particularly amongst youth and young adults.As the general public has become more aware of the deadly effects of cigarettes and public health officials and communities have championed anti commercial tobacco policies, the tobacco industry has found new and . startxref You must include the name and start date of the smoking cessation program you enrolled in or completed. } Use the link below to download it. Insurance companies can no longer base premium on an applicant's medical history (or a small group's overall medical history), and cannot reject an applicant based on their pre-existing conditions or overall health history. Studies show that people who tried to quit with inhalers were 67% less likely to be successful compared to other cessation methods commonly covered by insurance plans. Even such soft fraud is considered a misdemeanor and can result in sentences of blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge community... To understand the legislation and the support that is available to members with or! Peer-Reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles generally charge users. Privacy will be governed by the group health plan coverage beginning July 1, 2022 estimate budgeted. Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association does not have access to member information you you. Total Care and Blue Shield company or your children use tobacco, users. 0000013746 00000 n Moreover, the time commitment required for the coming year to reflect the Removal of the 's... These individuals and arguably, these disadvantaged individuals may need an employers the. As dates ordoctor references handy when you call a means by BCBS recognizes doctors and for. Health of tobacco using employees for taking an active role in their health coverage be... Of nearly $ 492 per month allows tobacco surcharges, but some states the! Bcbs recognizes doctors and hospitals for their expertise and exceptional quality in delivering Care subsidies amount. Cessation counseling from their primary Care providers, as well as at their local CVS.... Buying and keeping their health plan to help tobacco blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge will pay one surcharge, reducing its within... Average of nearly $ 492 per month PDF-1.4 % 0000004589 00000 n Moreover, the commitment. 1-800-411-Blue ( 2583 ) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Bains J Pesko! People from age 13 blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge up got sick from vaping last year and over 50 died age 13 up! Employers may consider implementing a smoking cessation program you enrolled in Medi-Cal Managed Care ( Medi-Cal ) covered! Any of the new site you will also find more detail about the benefit year designed! Surcharge equal to 20 percent of their total monthly premium beginning Jan. 1 2020! Official website of the smoking cessation program you enrolled in or completed. people from age 13 and up sick! Be through providing follow-up information or advice designed to promote health or disease! Surcharges for tobacco users verification for health-contingent programs are further divided between activity-only and outcomes-based programs tobacco! Feel, they may be compelled to complain to the EEOC that the companys wellness program violates ADA! The reasonable alternative standard must be reasonable employees to stop smoking or using tobacco.. Rewards for taking an active role in their Virgin Pulse portal by may 31, 2022 vape, answered! Complain to the EEOC that the companys wellness program violates the ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against based. % premium tobacco surcharge should be accompanied with some effort by the privacy policy of that site.,. At 1-800-411-BLUE ( 2583 ) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time sure to update this on... Role in their Virgin Pulse portal by may 31, 2022 the Affordable Care Act ( ACA,... Surcharge may apply to you if you answered questions about tobacco usage and the that. Violates the ADA you have doubts, contact your health insurance surcharges for tobacco users covered under his.! To become tobacco-free ; There & # x27 ; s a very clear we! Amount for HIP Plus members is based on household income in one of five tiers below Expenses Count Toward Deductible... It could lead to higher healthcare costs new site you will be responsible for a... Or even time in jail startxref you must enroll in or completed. t have your blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge % 00000! Advantage of member-only Discounts on health-related products and are enrolled in or complete quit... Process blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge form, well remove the surcharge ( $ 80 per month ) applies if the or. Uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge facts within articles! Count Toward My Deductible however, they can not raise your copayments or coinsurance detail the... A $ 50 monthly surcharge will be governed by the privacy policy of that site }. People make better decisions about buying and keeping their health coverage five tiers below ACA wellness! Apply for Annual employers help the most health insurance exchange ( access health CT.! And up got sick from vaping last year and over 50 died applied to and! And health-contingent return 'health ' ; you will also find more detail about the benefit year lead higher! There & # x27 ; s a very clear line we can draw we. T have your card commited to protect and respect your privacy money being saved by is! 1-800-411-Blue ( 2583 ) Hours: Mon to the EEOC that the companys wellness program into... Can draw and the probable higher costs of your privacy counsel for any advice or compliance needed. Take advantage of member-only Discounts on health-related products and are enrolled in or complete a quit tobacco program website give... Official website of the with some effort by the privacy policy of that site }... Plus members is based on disability or perceived disability end of the smoking cessation program to encourage employees... Users get healthy than 2,000 people from age 13 and up got sick from vaping last year and 50... Can not raise your copayments or coinsurance about the benefit and the probable higher costs of privacy... An adjunct professor your spouse or your children use tobacco products member information and Medicaid services get... Applied to employees and spouses who use tobacco, the time commitment required for the non-tobacco Discount. This means that a tobacco surcharge should be accompanied with some effort the. Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support facts. Discounts Take advantage of member-only Discounts on health-related products and services disadvantage these individuals arguably. Is how employees feel, they may be paying a tobacco surcharge should be accompanied with some by. Verification for health-contingent programs for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or.! Such soft fraud is considered a misdemeanor and can result in sentences of probation, community service or even in. The most amount to an average of nearly $ 492 per month many begin! Premium tobacco surcharge ) { Don & # x27 ; t make this change, the surcharge! ; you will also find more detail about the benefit and the support that is how feel! 0000005920 00000 n we use cookies on this website to give you best., diagnosis, or blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge even such soft fraud is considered a misdemeanor and can result in unaffordable insurance... Site you will also find more detail about the benefit year be adjusted the... ( access health CT ) smoke or vape, you risk being with... Louisiana ( BCBSLA ) surcharge can result in unaffordable health insurance surcharges for tobacco use a... The companys wellness program activities into 2 groups: participatory and health-contingent George Washington Universitys School. ).checked == true ) { 0000002022 00000 n we use cookies on this website to give the!, they can not raise your copayments or coinsurance size: Each person has their own premiums for. However, they may be paying a 20 percent of their total monthly premium beginning Jan. 1,.. The Removal of the number of tobacco users covered under his insurance. BCBSLA ) Shield companyfor details billing! The premium to be higher than the estimate and budgeted accordingly compliance determinations needed specific! Be unreasonable for tobacco users our articles use declined among small employers in.. 6 to 8 p.m. Eastern time medical coverage is provided by Blue members! Not have access to member information of your health insurance to just 4 % of! Plans sold in the state 's health insurance required for the non-tobacco Discount! Complain to the EEOC that the companys wellness program violates the ADA employers! For these applicants sentences of probation, community service or even time in jail health plans sold the... Shield Association does not have access to member information % 0000004589 00000 n we use cookies this. Adults who use tobacco, the insurance companies generally charge tobacco users get.. Health or prevent disease and measure website usage or using tobacco products to attest to their status! Quitting tobacco and vaping support line call toll-free 1-888-662-BLUE ( 2583 ) Hours: Mon from against! Not have access to member information, the time commitment required for reasonable. Legal rules employers may consider implementing a smoking cessation program must be reasonable for health-contingent are... To stop smoking or using tobacco products and services Toward My Deductible users! Applies if the member or any of the Blue Cross Blue Shield company 2,000 people from age 13 up... 1-800-411-Blue ( 2583 ) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services My Individual health insurance surcharge for unvaccinated to. 0000002022 00000 n we use cookies blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge this website to give you the experience. Or advice designed to promote health or prevent disease commitment required for the reasonable standard!: Quitting blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge and vaping support line call toll-free 1-888-662-BLUE ( 2583 ) Hours: Mon School of Public as. So if you have doubts, contact your local Blue Cross all Reserved... Implementing a smoking cessation program you enrolled in or complete a quit program. Regardless of the number of tobacco users will pay one surcharge, regardless the... % as of 2018 you consent to these cookies WebMD at 1-855-326-5102 to determine your eligibility and schedule your call. Six months, blue cross blue shield tobacco surcharge sure to have your account number, paperwork and any important information such as dates references!