wife went to a work physical and was declared a moderate smoker

[I'mnotZak]

My company has an annual Health Assessment and among other intrusive things, they require a blood test for cotinine which is the metabolite of nicotine. They don't care if you smoke cigarettes, cigars, hookah, vape, or tree limbs. If your blood test is positive for cotinine, you are considered a "smoker' and you pay higher health care premiums. Two weeks of 0 nic, blood test, negative results, and right back to 3mg for another year!

 

[Ibitz]

I noticed on my health charts is now says "former smoker". My doctor asks every visit whether I still use a vaporizer. I was real happy that she didn't even call it an e-cigarette.

 

[zahzoo]

What if you are a heavy potato eater?
Imagine, no signs of tobacco use whatsoever, but nic in your system. How they going to answer that if you refuse to tell them you vape? How they going to PROVE you smoke?
AFAIC, vaping is not smoking, and in no way should be associated with smoking, so unless someone asks point blank if I vape, its non of their busibodieness.

A simple blood test for cotinine, which is the metabolite of nicotine, will prove you are a nicotine user. If it's determined you falsified your medical history they will deny any/all of your claims and cancel your policy. Legally you will be in a very bad place... and no amount money and lawyers will be of much good to you.

If it's an employer's insurance policy... you stand a good chance of losing your job and your coverage.

This isn't some philosophical interpretation among normal people. Insurance companies are huge corporations with plenty of nasty attorneys paid very well to protect their interests. Most of us agree that vaping is not smoking or even close to dipping. But our logic doesn't stand up to the deep pockets and power the insurance industry has. Give them any reason to avoid paying... they will. They don't care about your health anywhere near their money...

 

[VHRB2014]

I agree some will not have any choice. But consider "not zacks" solution if in need. :?)

 

[DC2]

My company asks if you use nicotine in any form.
They don't care where it comes from.

I had three choices...

1) Quit using nicotine
2) Pay $50/month for using nicotine
3) Lie

I chose option (1) and have been nicotine free for 7 months.
The only option I would never have chosen is the last one.

When I retire I am going to get my own insurance and start using nicotine again.
Hopefully by that time some form of sanity will have returned to the world.