Health Insurance

[Ld3441]

We had our annual meeting at work today to discuss the changes coming with our health insurance next year. I have been dreading this because I know that tobacco users (as they define it) will have to pay 150% higher premiums. Nothing up to this point has been said about e-cigs. and I was afraid they were going to say that was considered too. To my surprise they said electronic cigarettes were ok!!! YAY!! I know not all insurance companies feel this way but there are some that do. Feeling very relieved!

 

[Thunderball]

What is the name of the carrier ? ( the ins company)

 

[Barbara21]

That's great news! Glad to see that some insurance companies are seeing the light!

 

[FlamingoTutu]

What is the name of the carrier ? ( the ins company)

I'd like to know what carrier too please.

 

[Ld3441]

What is the name of the carrier ? ( the ins company)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinios

 

[Thunderball]

Excellent. I have Blue Cross of Georgia... Hopefully they will have the same criteria.

 

[Nermal]

Awesome! . . .

 

[dwarfcat]

When asked if I smoke I will truthfully answer no

 

[Barbara21]

I also have Blue Cross/Blue Shield through work. On the form, they simply asked if I 'used tobacco'. I truthfully answered 'No'.

 

[Ld3441]

When asked if I smoke I will truthfully answer no

They don't ask if you smoke. They ask if you are a tobacco user which is defined but not limited to.... they put in what they want.

 

[FlamingoTutu]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinios

Hm, we have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama--and we're in California. Hope we're the same. Cutting down the nicotine just in case. Last year I didn't realize that the nic juice was considered a tobacco product but can't remember how they phrased it. Was pretty darned cool to check the nonsmoker box though.

 

[CommaHolly]

this is excellent news!!!!!!!!!! Maybe others will follow!

 

[Ld3441]

The thing is, we could all be smokers and answer no but have something happen and they can deny your claim. I like having insurance even though I don't use it much. Never know when it is going to be needed for something major and I don't want them to not pay because of a lie.

 

[Barbara21]

They don't ask if you smoke. They ask if you are a tobacco user which is defined but not limited to.... they put in what they want.

Different companies ask you different things.

 

[Vicshalls]

Just so you know United health does not or it could be my company telling them it won't count. Our policy is no nicotine what so ever. They want you off cigarettes vaping, gum and patches. No nicotine what so ever period. Hate it so I get to pay 150 more a month to be insured.

 

[Vicshalls]

Oh and I forgot they will do random nicotine tests if you say your a non smoker and that is for all the non smokers not just the ones that smoked last year and have quit since then.

 

[Ld3441]

Just so you know United health does not or it could be my company telling them it won't count. Our policy is no nicotine what so ever. They want you off cigarettes vaping, gum and patches. No nicotine what so ever period. Hate it so I get to pay 150 more a month to be insured.

I know there are several out there that do this and I was expecting the same. It was a pleasant surprise for me and I hope ALL insurance companies will some day see this is totally different!

 

[FlamingoTutu]

Just so you know United health does not or it could be my company telling them it won't count. Our policy is no nicotine what so ever. They want you off cigarettes vaping, gum and patches. No nicotine what so ever period. Hate it so I get to pay 150 more a month to be insured.

$150 a month is insane. Do obese people pay more? People who ride motorcycles? I don't know, that's why I'm asking. How about people that heap on the salt or drink heavily? Don't know what they are going to do now that they've figured out air pollution causes lung cancer.

 

[Ld3441]

$150 a month is insane. Do obese people pay more? People who ride motorcycles? I don't know, that's why I'm asking. How about people that heap on the salt or drink heavily? Don't know what they are going to do now that they've figured out air pollution causes lung cancer.

With my insurance it is 150% increase. That is crazy! I had the same questions. Why not bad drivers? They are definitely a health risk! Although I smoked almost 40 years, I rarely went to the doctor and then it had nothing to do with smoking. That's ok, I am now smoke free but don't mess with my vaping!

 

[Topwater Elvis]

We had our annual meeting at work today to discuss the changes coming with our health insurance next year. I have been dreading this because I know that tobacco users (as they define it) will have to pay 150% higher premiums. Nothing up to this point has been said about e-cigs. and I was afraid they were going to say that was considered too. To my surprise they said electronic cigarettes were ok!!! YAY!! I know not all insurance companies feel this way but there are some that do. Feeling very relieved!

I'd hold off on the celebration until you see that in writing.
Especially the non smokers questionnaire page.