Add me to the list of those getting screwed...

[DC2]

So I just signed on to make my benefit elections for next year...

I vape about 1ml per day of 12mg strength juice.
Most days I don't even start vaping until I relax after work with a glass of wine.

And they're going to charge me $50 a month for this privilege?


And please don't throw that "why don't you just quit nicotine then?" crap at me.
I have NO intention of quitting nicotine now or ever.

Nicotine improves memory, attention, and concentration.
And it may just help protect me from getting Alzheimers or Parkinsons.

I am so mad I could spit.

 

[DaveP]

Do they ask if you are a tobacco user, a smoker, or a nicotine user? Do they require a nic blood test for Cotinine? My company quit asking that question during enrollment for the retiree population. We used to get a $200 credit if we were non-smokers. That went away and everyone pays the same price.

The interesting part is that our premium went from $303 a month to $609 the year Obamacare was announced. This year it went to $917 a month (for employee and spouse).

I think we are destined to be soaked regardless of what we do.

You might get under the line at the rate you vape. Hi Nic vapers have quit for 3 days and passed the blood test according to their posts.

 

[six]

My insurance company doesn't require any sort of test. I've been telling them I'm a non-smoker since open enrollment at the end of 2010. They had no problem with it in 2010 - 2011 - or 2012. After completing open enrollment this year, I got a notice in the mail a couple of days ago that something in my records indicates I used to be a smoker and have used an NRT so they are re-classifying me as a nicotine user. - When I called to ask about this (and after three + hours of being on hold and being transferred and being on hold and being transferred ...) the only explanation they had was "New regulations under the new law. Sorry. Suck it up and cough up more cash or take your chances on the govt website finding a comparable plan." According to the rep, the use of nic is the same as the use of tobacco under the new law, so even approved NRTs (let alone e-cigs) are the same as smoking now.

 

[DC2]

Here is the policy...

 

[riseabovethestorm]

The problem and reason why they will stick you with that is, at least some manufacturers, extract their nicotine from whole leaf tobacco, which makes it by definition a "tobacco derivative". That and, as usual, the FDA is putzing around with ANTZ special interest groups because the anti-nicotine folks are the ones that most heavily (second to BT) fund the lawmakers campaigns.

 

[DC2]

The problem and reason why they will stick you with that is, at least some manufacturers, extract their nicotine from whole leaf tobacco, which makes it by definition a "tobacco derivative". That and, as usual, the FDA is putzing around with ANTZ special interest groups because the anti-nicotine folks are the ones that most heavily (second to BT) fund the lawmakers campaigns.

You left out the most evil group of all, and the main force behind most of this... Big Pharma

 

[tfnc]

Back in 2009 FDA classified e cigs as a tobacco product....they are just now getting around to screwing everyone with it .

 

[riseabovethestorm]

You left out the most evil group of all, and the main force behind most of this... Big Pharma

I will not for a second argue that point and will thank you for the amendment!

 

[Mitch65]

 

[Uncle Willie]

Back in 2009 FDA classified e cigs as a tobacco product....they are just now getting around to screwing everyone with it .

Link on that, please .. ??

 

[Orb Skewer]

It would seem that Nazism didn't die, but was instead incubated.

 

[Dan Knight]

So I just signed on to make my benefit elections for next year...

I vape about 1ml per day of 12mg strength juice.
Most days I don't even start vaping until I relax after work with a glass of wine.

And they're going to charge me $50 a month for this privilege?


And please don't throw that "why don't you just quit nicotine then?" crap at me.
I have NO intention of quitting nicotine now or ever.

Nicotine improves memory, attention, and concentration.
And it may just help protect me from getting Alzheimers or Parkinsons.

I am so mad I could spit.

I just got the same news last week. I asked if I switched to 0 nic but continued vaping if it would still be considered a 'tobacco product'. The insurance reps had no answer, but promised to check into it for me. We'll see.

 

[NicoHolic]

DC2, we disagree on some things, but not on this. I am a firm believer in the benefits of nicotine and in the principle that BP's goal is to keep us sick and needing treatment. There will NEVER BE CURES! They still fight us daily on nutritional supplements and peddle free drugs (the ones generics aren't available for) to our doctors. They repurpose psychotic drugs as pain relievers to keep them off the generic list. My doctor has made me try them in lieu of the generic prescription pain reliever that works for me. I'll spare you the details, but thank God, I knew what was causing the side effects and stopped taking it.

I'm really amazed, but my corporation's health care has no tobacco surcharge. They'll give you a little discount if you go through a health evaluation they allegedly don't see the results of. Hah!

I'm sorry to hear you're subjected to this expense to keep yourself of clear mind as you age, but I'd pay it if necessary myself. Good call.

 

[DaveP]

I guess all employees are screwed if their doctor prescribes nicotine products for cognitive function enhancement.


ANTZ, ANTZ, ANTZ ... all over the place! Makes you want to stomp.

 

[mare ze dotes]

I am not big with my opinions, But that scared me some.

 

[Harlen]

I don't use a e-cigarette or any of the things they list I use a personal vaporizer and that they don't need to know .

 

[DaveP]

I am not big with my opinions, But that scared me some.

I shoulda used a smiley face emoticon.

Still, it makes you want to stomp out ANTZ!

 

[EddardinWinter]

Here is the policy...

Quit.



Tapped out

 

[DC2]

Sorry to have to quote myself...

I am so mad I could spit.

But what I wish I had said is...

I am so mad I could spit in their caffeine-laced coffee.

 

[DC2]

Quit.

I really wish I could, and I would go out swinging if I did.
But that's not even remotely an option, and I'll send you a PM as to why.