Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$

CigarNut · 10-03-2013, 09:41 PM

My employer is making a change in our medical plan such that smokers will have to pay an extra $50 per month. A person who smokes more than 6 cigars per year qualifies as a smoker. I understand the intent and even like the fundamental idea, but the specific implementation sucks.

We have to sign an Affidavit regarding our smoking status and there are stiff penalties if you are caught lying -- not that I would do that, but they make this very clear up front.

They got the "6 cigars per year" value from an insurance plan broker.

The one really interesting thing about this, is my wife (who works for the same company) is totally incensed over this (made me feel good). She does not hate my cigar smoking but she is not a fan. Her stance caught me by surprise.

This $50 increase is on top of the annual increase in our insurance (which has gone up significantly over the last three years).

It is disappointing that the real target audience (cigarette smokers) are tainting my hobby. Further, the cigarette smokers can take a smoking cessation class -- and fail to stop smoking -- and still have the $50 waived...

I really, really like my job and I really like cigars so it looks like my disposable income is going to take another hit... *sigh*

Zane · 10-03-2013, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

My employer is making a change in our medical plan such that smokers will have to pay an extra $50 per month. A person who smokes more than 6 cigars per year qualifies as a smoker. I understand the intent and even like the fundamental idea, but the specific implementation sucks.

We have to sign an Affidavit regarding our smoking status and there are stiff penalties if you are caught lying -- not that I would do that, but they make this very clear up front.

They got the "6 cigars per year" value from an insurance plan broker.

The one really interesting thing about this, is my wife (who works for the same company) is totally incensed over this (made me feel good). She does not hate my cigar smoking but she is not a fan. Her stance caught me by surprise.

This $50 increase is on top of the annual increase in our insurance (which has gone up significantly over the last three years).

It is disappointing that the real target audience (cigarette smokers) are tainting my hobby. Further, the cigarette smokers can take a smoking cessation class -- and fail to stop smoking -- and still have the $50 waived...

I really, really like my job and I really like cigars so it looks like my disposable income is going to take another hit... *sigh*

My company is going the route of giving you $250 off your high premiums if you take a test for nicotine. /fail

Porch Dweller · 10-04-2013, 07:21 AM

Pretty soon you'll have to bring a weekly stool sample in to work and if there's not enough fiber your premiums will go up.

Lockspur · 10-07-2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porch Dweller

Pretty soon you'll have to bring a weekly stool sample in to work and if there's not enough fiber your premiums will go up.

I will provide fiber-filled samples.

Just sayin'

longknocker · 10-07-2013, 06:38 PM

Same Situation For Me, Michael. I Just Pay The Extra Fee & Don't Worry About It. I'm Still Going To Smoke Cigars, Brother!

The Poet · 10-04-2013, 09:44 AM

Do like me, Mikey. Keep the stogies, pony up the yearly fine, go without insurance, and pray you make it to Medicare before bad health $#!+ hits the fan . . . again.

CigarNut · 10-04-2013, 09:59 AM

I am going to keep the stogies, pony up the fine and keep the insurance -- because I am afraid Medicare may be even worse by the time I am eligible...

The Poet · 10-04-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

I am going to keep the stogies, pony up the fine and keep the insurance -- because I am afraid Medicare may be even worse by the time I am eligible...

Well, I try to look on the bright side . . . I might be DEAD by the time I am eligible.

cmitch · 10-04-2013, 05:56 PM

When we give up liberties to preserve life, we deserve neither.

srduggins · 10-07-2013, 03:53 PM

My employer is doing the same thing. Why not enroll in the quit for life program just like the ciggy smokers?

jjirons69 · 10-07-2013, 07:45 PM

This -> Further, the cigarette smokers can take a smoking cessation class -- and fail to stop smoking -- and still have the $50 waived...

We had the same thing a few years ago. The head of HR says an occasional cigar isn't treated as a true smoker. Don't know the definition of occasional, don't want to know. They also thought about testing for cotinine, but thought it was a little intrusive. You can use one of those e-cigs and still pop the cotinine test so there were too many variables to the testing. Luckily (so far) it's a med-sized, privately-owned company.

Good luck and I totally agree it sucks balls.

forgop · 10-08-2013, 08:18 PM

If it were only that "rough"...pffffffffffftttttttttttt

Two of the major hospital networks in the city have let go somewhere around 1k nurses since the summer. My full-time/weekend position has been eliminated and cut back to part-time. My insurance will go up an additional $100/paycheck not to mention whatever sizable increase is likely to be added considering they haven't even released the 2014 rates. If my mandatory blood test returns positive for nicotine, it's then an additional $50/biweekly deduction.

As of now, my budgeted income for 2014 is 40% of what I will make in 2013.

markem · 10-08-2013, 08:19 PM

Sounds like you should stop buying cigars.

emelbee · 10-10-2013, 09:57 AM

6 cigars per year!? I try to stay under 6 per day.

We're getting new health insurance at my work, too, but no details yet. The current plan doesn't have a smoking penalty.

mike_556 · 10-18-2013, 03:23 PM

Thankfully, as of yet (knock on wood) cigars are exempt from the cigarette tax on our policy, but it's only a matter of time. The testing for nicotine is BS in my opinion

CigarNut · 11-07-2013, 10:08 AM

I decided to check out the "smoking cessation" option in order to preserve my insurance. This time of year I smoke 2-3 cigars per week -- mostly on Sunday during NFL football.

In order to alleviate my nicotine addiction from these 2-3 cigars per week the people managing the smoking cessation program have determined that I need nicotine gum on a daily basis...

I have not lied to them. I told them why (my motivation) I decided to go through the smoking cessation plan ("forced to do so to maintain my insurance premiums") and that I had not previously given serious thought to quitting cigars.

We will see how it goes...

Zane · 11-07-2013, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

I decided to check out the "smoking cessation" option in order to preserve my insurance. This time of year I smoke 2-3 cigars per week -- mostly on Sunday during NFL football.

In order to alleviate my nicotine addiction from these 2-3 cigars per week the people managing the smoking cessation program have determined that I need nicotine gum on a daily basis...

I have not lied to them. I told them why (my motivation) I decided to go through the smoking cessation plan ("forced to do so to maintain my insurance premiums") and that I had not previously given serious thought to quitting cigars.

We will see how it goes...

I have good news! Somehow I managed to not get flagged on my wellness exam!

markem · 11-07-2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

We will see how it goes...

You coming by today to pick up cigars?

stearns · 11-07-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarNut

I decided to check out the "smoking cessation" option in order to preserve my insurance. This time of year I smoke 2-3 cigars per week -- mostly on Sunday during NFL football.

In order to alleviate my nicotine addiction from these 2-3 cigars per week the people managing the smoking cessation program have determined that I need nicotine gum on a daily basis...

sounds like you have a serious addiction, one in need of multiple interventions. I'll bring the smokes

Ashcan Bill · 11-07-2013, 03:30 PM

Wonder what the insurance companies are going to do if the country legalizes grass in the next couple of years? It is medicinal, isn't it?

10-03-2013, 09:41 PM	#1
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ My employer is making a change in our medical plan such that smokers will have to pay an extra $50 per month. A person who smokes more than 6 cigars per year qualifies as a smoker. I understand the intent and even like the fundamental idea, but the specific implementation sucks. We have to sign an Affidavit regarding our smoking status and there are stiff penalties if you are caught lying -- not that I would do that, but they make this very clear up front. They got the "6 cigars per year" value from an insurance plan broker. The one really interesting thing about this, is my wife (who works for the same company) is totally incensed over this (made me feel good). She does not hate my cigar smoking but she is not a fan. Her stance caught me by surprise. This $50 increase is on top of the annual increase in our insurance (which has gone up significantly over the last three years). It is disappointing that the real target audience (cigarette smokers) are tainting my hobby. Further, the cigarette smokers can take a smoking cessation class -- and fail to stop smoking -- and still have the $50 waived... I really, really like my job and I really like cigars so it looks like my disposable income is going to take another hit... sigh __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

10-04-2013, 07:21 AM	#3
Porch Dweller Life is for living Join Date: Oct 2012 First Name: James Location: Mississippi Gulf Coast Posts: 8,461 Trading: (24)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ Pretty soon you'll have to bring a weekly stool sample in to work and if there's not enough fiber your premiums will go up. __________________ A 1911 in the hand is faster than 911 on the phone

10-07-2013, 06:38 PM	#5
longknocker Postwhore Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Greg Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 11,174 Trading: (82)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ Same Situation For Me, Michael. I Just Pay The Extra Fee & Don't Worry About It. I'm Still Going To Smoke Cigars, Brother!

10-04-2013, 09:44 AM	#6
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ Do like me, Mikey. Keep the stogies, pony up the yearly fine, go without insurance, and pray you make it to Medicare before bad health $#!+ hits the fan . . . again. __________________ Ninety percent of everything is crap - Theodore Sturgeon.

10-04-2013, 09:59 AM	#7
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ I am going to keep the stogies, pony up the fine and keep the insurance -- because I am afraid Medicare may be even worse by the time I am eligible... __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

10-04-2013, 05:56 PM	#9
cmitch Heads up get down Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Clayton Location: NW Alabama by the river Posts: 2,720 Trading: (25)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ When we give up liberties to preserve life, we deserve neither. __________________ No matter what one's status is in society, cigars are the great equalizer where the affluent and common share a love for the leaf. - Me.

10-07-2013, 03:53 PM	#10
srduggins Feeling at Home Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: steve Location: So. Cal. No More Posts: 504 Trading: (37)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ My employer is doing the same thing. Why not enroll in the quit for life program just like the ciggy smokers? __________________ ". . . but it's good, I guess, that you have the entire asylum to query, but you'll never get a straight answer out of any of us." - OLS

10-07-2013, 07:45 PM	#11
jjirons69 Haberdasher Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jamie Location: Chucktown, SC Posts: 4,120 Trading: (94)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ This -> Further, the cigarette smokers can take a smoking cessation class -- and fail to stop smoking -- and still have the $50 waived... We had the same thing a few years ago. The head of HR says an occasional cigar isn't treated as a true smoker. Don't know the definition of occasional, don't want to know. They also thought about testing for cotinine, but thought it was a little intrusive. You can use one of those e-cigs and still pop the cotinine test so there were too many variables to the testing. Luckily (so far) it's a med-sized, privately-owned company. Good luck and I totally agree it sucks balls. __________________ Somebody has to go back and get a chitload of dimes

10-08-2013, 08:18 PM	#12
forgop Not a puffer Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Duane Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 2,869 Trading: (40)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ If it were only that "rough"...pffffffffffftttttttttttt Two of the major hospital networks in the city have let go somewhere around 1k nurses since the summer. My full-time/weekend position has been eliminated and cut back to part-time. My insurance will go up an additional $100/paycheck not to mention whatever sizable increase is likely to be added considering they haven't even released the 2014 rates. If my mandatory blood test returns positive for nicotine, it's then an additional $50/biweekly deduction. As of now, my budgeted income for 2014 is 40% of what I will make in 2013.

10-08-2013, 08:19 PM	#13
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,625 Trading: (47)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ Sounds like you should stop buying cigars. __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx

10-10-2013, 09:57 AM	#14
emelbee Still Watching My Back Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mike Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 76 Trading: (18)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ 6 cigars per year!? I try to stay under 6 per day. We're getting new health insurance at my work, too, but no details yet. The current plan doesn't have a smoking penalty. __________________ "A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it." - G.K. Chesterton

10-18-2013, 03:23 PM	#15
mike_556 Just in from the Storm Join Date: Oct 2013 First Name: Mike Location: Charlotte Posts: 7 Trading: (0)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ Thankfully, as of yet (knock on wood) cigars are exempt from the cigarette tax on our policy, but it's only a matter of time. The testing for nicotine is BS in my opinion

11-07-2013, 10:08 AM	#16
CigarNut Fck Cancer! Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Michael Location: Clermont, Florida Posts: 18,042 Trading: (111*)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ I decided to check out the "smoking cessation" option in order to preserve my insurance. This time of year I smoke 2-3 cigars per week -- mostly on Sunday during NFL football. In order to alleviate my nicotine addiction from these 2-3 cigars per week the people managing the smoking cessation program have determined that I need nicotine gum on a daily basis... I have not lied to them. I told them why (my motivation) I decided to go through the smoking cessation plan ("forced to do so to maintain my insurance premiums") and that I had not previously given serious thought to quitting cigars. We will see how it goes... __________________ Need Beads? Need Five Finger Bags? 2 of 3 Requirements for use of the CA Rolodex: 100 posts/ 60 day membership/ participation in trade (trader rating). New members can be added at any time.

11-07-2013, 03:30 PM	#20
Ashcan Bill Ol' Dude Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bill Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 1,901 Trading: (6)	Re: Employers Medical Insurance Change is Gonna Bite Me In The A$$ Wonder what the insurance companies are going to do if the country legalizes grass in the next couple of years? It is medicinal, isn't it?