Health insurance update

[Vicshalls]

Back before aep I had started vaping. Of course my hope was that vaping would mean I no longer was a smoker. That was not the case. Ugh I was so mad. So I decided to do the smoking cessation program the job has set in place. I signed up as a smoker and have been vaping away while doing the program. Then the other day I get home and find a letter from my companies HR department. Open it up and low and behold they have changed my insurance payment to a non smoker. The only thing I can figure is they figured their cessation program works and I should be nicotine free. Albeit I have gone down on my nic from 24 to 3 and I am currently replacing liquids each new order with 0. I know it is wrong but I have no intention of telling them I am still on nicotine. I could really use the pay increase cause there are so many more toys I could get with the extra cash.

 

[Equilibrium]

Congrats!
I was blessed when I found out my employer listed me as a non smoker as well. Huge difference in premiums.

 

[Shizzle]

if they changed it on their own, *without you stating* either verbally or in writing that you no longer smoke (and/or use nicotine, depending on the verbiage in the contract), then it's their doing and you shouldn't have a problem...however, i wouldn't go around advertising it -- btw, eliminating your post here on the subject might be a great idea.

this is not legal advice. it is just my opinion. (i'm a former ins pro, including fraud investigation)

 

[stevegmu]

I get a discount at work by either checking a box that states I am a non-smoker- e-cigs don't count as far as they are concerned- we are on the honor system, or if I am a smoker and enroll in a smoking cessation program and complete 6 classes- whether I would have stopped smoking, or not. Just enrolling and completing the program is enough to get the discount.

 

[Vicshalls]

I guess taking the class is what it was. Now that you mention it I remember seeing that when I signed up but I would have thought they would follow up on that. Interesting!

 

[Vicshalls]

if they changed it on their own, *without you stating* either verbally or in writing that you no longer smoke (and/or use nicotine, depending on the verbiage in the contract), then it's their doing and you shouldn't have a problem...however, i wouldn't go around advertising it -- btw, eliminating your post here on the subject might be a great idea.

this is not legal advice. it is just my opinion. (i'm a former ins pro, including fraud investigation)

I have not said a word at work. Just left it alone. I work for an insurance company myself but nothing to do with fraud.

 

[Rat2chat2]

That is fantastic. I've often wondered about this. I do consider myself a non-smoker. Happy vaping.

 

[KODIAK (TM)]

Yes, you came up against the old "I don't smoke but I vape" brick wall. It's instinctive I think that when we are asked if we smoke, we say "no" but immediately follow up with a, "but I use e-cigs." explanation.

Not anymore from me. Screw 'em. I just say I don't smoke and don't even mention vaping. Even with the medical folks because as soon as you mention it they will associate every ailment you have with whatever you're there for with it. Just like the tobacco days.

But... if they make you pee in a cup you have some explaining to do but will probably lose that argument.

 

[mare ze dotes]

I am a nonsmoker. No if and or butts.

 

[3mg Meniere]

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ood-test-results-came-back-zero-nicotine.html

I think it is safe to assume that anyone who vapes at 3mg would test as a non-smoker.

blood test for Nicotine levels

On the other end of the spectrum, a heavy vaper at high levels apparently would test as an occasional smoker.

 

[stevegmu]

I wouldn't take one example, or 10 as proof lower nic vaping shows up at 0 on a test; not when insurance is at stake... If my work included e-cigs as smoking, even if they didn't test, I would say I am a user. It is only a $25/month discount...

 

[3mg Meniere]

Sure, n=1 is not very legitimate. This is a subject that needs further study. However, I believe that it is safe. If they also wanted you to eliminate second-hand exposure, read below.

If my work included e-cigs as smoking

I wouldn't want to work for an employer that was that controlling: that borders on abuse, and could be a foundation for lawsuits, as people who use patch and gum, and those who have smokers in their families, would also be classified as "smokers." Minimal nicotine use, according to nearly all literature has no ill effects. Minimal nicotine use does not negatively affect job performance or health.

 

[stevegmu]

Sure, n=1 is not very legitimate. This is a subject that needs further study. I wouldn't want to work for an employer that was that controlling: that borders on abuse, and could be a foundation for lawsuits, as people who use patch and gum would also be classified as "smokers." Minimal nicotine use, according to nearly all literature has no ill effects. Minimal nicotine use does not negatively affect job performance or health.

Quite a few employers do now. Mine only cares about cigarettes or cigars. We are on the honor system, as far as whether or not we say we are a smoker or not, and can get free NRT through the cessation program and still get the insurance discount. Vaping at work isn't allowed, but only because it looks like smoking from a distance, and since corporate world headquarters is up the road, we get visitors in all the time. The supervisors don't want to have to explain how an employee is vaping on the property and not smoking. The head of HR said to just go to a single restroom if I wanted to vape...

 

[3mg Meniere]

The head of HR said to just go to a single restroom if I wanted to vape...

That policy seems to be emerging in the schools, for educators.