Am I A Smoker ?

[englishmick]

There are forms we have to fill in from time to time that ask whether you are a smoker. Like insurance application forms and so forth. What is the correct answer for those of us who quit the cigs and vape instead? Mostly you have to answer yes/no, and give a number if you answer yes. I've also seen forms where the question is "do you use nicotine" rather than "do you smoke". I've never seen one where you got vaping as an option, or where you got a freeform answer box.. Not sure what I would do if I had to fill one of them out today.

Mick

 

[Redruth]

I would say NO!

 

[DC2]

Life insurance and medical insurance are tricky, and you don't want to fool around.

You need to read how it is worded and make sure your answer is true.
If you don't answer correctly, bad things can happen.

Here is how my medical coverage through my workplace is worded...

 

[FlamingoTutu]

My doctor lists me as a nonsmoker. Unfortunately, many insurance companies charge you the same as a smoker if you use any nicotine. Then there are the ones in between. Smoker, no; nicotine user, yes. Hopefully they will be forced to put an end to this but not holding my breath.

 

[InTheShade]

I am assuming these are health insurance forms.

If they specifically ask if I am a smoker I would tick no. If they ask about nicotine use, I would or course answer yes.

I posted on here a little while back that when I was enrolling in my company health care plan, they asked if I was a tobacco user (this included chewing and SNUS) but did not mention e-cigs. Again, I ticked no.

Just be honest. If you are in any doubt, it might be better to call your insurer (if this is for an insurance policy) as if you have to make a claim, they may deny it if you didn't disclose nicotine use. They will always look for a way not to pay your claim.

 

[FlamingoTutu]

Life insurance and medical insurance are tricky, and you don't want to fool around.

You need to read how it is worded and make sure your answer is true.
If you don't answer correctly, bad things can happen.

Here is how my medical coverage through my workplace is worded...

So you are screwed even if you vape 0mg?

 

[InTheShade]

So you are screwed even if you vape 0mg?

Right? I suppose the writer of that policy didn't consider 0mg e-cig use.

Saying that, if you do only vape 0mg, it'd be pretty hard for them to prove you do - short of coming into your house and taking photos of your gear.

 

[swanysto]

Yeah, insurance companies can basically do what they want. When I quit smoking, I chewed nicorette for about 6 months. They gave me a urine test and found the nicotine. When they asked, I told them that I chewed the gum. They said that I was not eligible for the rate they quoted me. So I went without health insurance from age 18 to march this year(14 years) when obama made me.

Same rules apply for life insurance plans.

 

[FlamingoTutu]

Right? I suppose the writer of that policy didn't consider 0mg e-cig use.

Saying that, if you do only vape 0mg, it'd be pretty hard for them to prove you do - short of coming into your house and taking photos of your gear.

Or snap a picture on your lunch break. Either you smoke burning vegetation or you don't. That to me is where the line ought to be drawn. Call me old fashioned. Some place charges something like $150 a month more. Many are forced to lie or become homeless. It's ridiculous.

 

[DC2]

So you are screwed even if you vape 0mg?

Theoretically? I suppose so.

But if I DID vape 0mg they would never know that.
And no test an insurance company performed would ever show it.

But yeah, I get your point, and the absurdity of it all.
Having said that, I'm sticking with nicotine, no matter what the hell they say about it.

 

[GoombahYah]

Either you smoke burning vegetation or you don't. That to me is where the line ought to be drawn. Call me old fashioned. Some place charges something like $150 a month more. Many are forced to lie or become homeless. It's ridiculous.

Ugh, don't get me started. Our insurance provider just informed us we'll now have the privilege of paying an extra $50/month for using a product that will likely improve my health over smoking, and ostensibly save the company money in the long run.

Yeah, insurance companies can basically do what they want.

This. Most corporations are evil; insurance companies are the devil's spawn incarnate. Unfortunately, they write the rules (and own the rulemakers).