Work over-the-phone smoking cessation program

[x3ro]

I read the forum, but don't post much. Thought I'd get some input from you guys here.

This year as part of our physicals to reduce our insurance premiums, smokers have to complete an over-the-phone smoking cessation program (rolls eyes).

I haven't smoked cigarettes in over 3 or 4 years now, strictly vaping only. I vape 6mg juice.

The physical forms are to be filled out by our doctors, and that includes the question "do you smoke?" My doctor would check whichever box I tell him. The form states "any type of tobacco use".

I'm at a bit of a crossroads here. Should I just tell my doctor to check no I don't smoke, and hope HR doesn't get a copy of the forms? I can't imagine they would. Or out of an abundance of caution should I just go through the dumb over-the-phone program?

I don't want my premiums to go up. But I have no desire to quit vaping. I very much enjoy it. It's more of a hobby at this point.

Does anyone have any advice, or have gone through something similar, or maybe done the over the phone cessation thing?

Thanks in advance guys

 

[BreSha6869]

Nic doesn't necessarily come from tobacco, so I would say no to tobacco use.

A blood, pee, hair test will show nic usage, but only if they do that type of testing.

I personally would not have a problem saying I do not use tobacco because I don't.

 

[Bonskibon]

That's a tough question unfortunately with all the misinformation out there. I don't smoke, but my dr. is unimpressed with my vaping. I am marked in my file as "nicotine dependent".

 

[JCinFLA]

My doctor has on my records "former smoker". Quit smoking on January 14, 2014.

If any healthcare providers, insurance companies, etc. doubt that I've really quit, they are free to see my medical records as proof: they show my mild COPD is now gone, my osteoporosis has been downgraded to osteopenia, my blood oxygen levels are much higher, etc., etc. Or, they can just take a close-up "whiff" of my clothing, hair, car, etc. and tell for themselves that I don't smoke any more.

 

[NU_FTW]

Well all nicotine is derived from tobacco (cheapest way to get it) It is not considered a tobacco product. Consider it using the patch.. or nicotine gum... it is not tobacco it is only the nicotine. Answer is NO. Pretty simple. It may be derived from tobacco but that is like saying you are eating corn because you consume High Fructose Corn Syrup.

 

[Smoke_too_much]

I'd agree with everything you say however this is about insurance premiums so I'd suggest more consideration. Insurance companies have sometimes a particular way of looking at things and they may very well lump vapers in with smokers in determining their rates. On the other hand OP may not care because he/she is young and has no expectation of requiring any health benefits related to tobacco diseases.

 

[x3ro]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I believe myself to be a non-smoker at this point.

The forms the doctor fills out go to a 3rd party company, not back to our HR, I do know that.

I guess I'm just not sure if the smoking question/answer is given to HR or not. I go outside to vape and take a break, so it's no secret here that I do it, and a few other people as well.

I suppose I'm afraid that if I choose no, and then it comes back around they can ding me for lying and I won't get the reduced policy price.

Arrrrggg.

 

[NU_FTW]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I believe myself to be a non-smoker at this point.

The forms the doctor fills out go to a 3rd party company, not back to our HR, I do know that.

I guess I'm just not sure if the smoking question/answer is given to HR or not. I go outside to vape and take a break, so it's no secret here that I do it, and a few other people as well.

I suppose I'm afraid that if I choose no, and then it comes back around they can ding me for lying and I won't get the reduced policy price.

Arrrrggg.

Not likely. Should be confidential for starters. You are overly worried. You are literally not smoking or using tobacco. There is nothing from tobacco that remains in nic juice unless you are getting WTA and the likes of it. Worst case scenario lets say insurance for some reason finds out you vape and for some crazy world upside down reason decides that vaping is equal to smoking, you can always claim ignorance that you would never have considered vaping smoking. Easy conclusion to draw. You really shouldnt be so worried about it to be honest with you.

 

[x3ro]

Not likely. Should be confidential for starters. You are overly worried. You are literally not smoking or using tobacco. There is nothing from tobacco that remains in nic juice unless you are getting WTA and the likes of it. Worst case scenario lets say insurance for some reason finds out you vape and for some crazy world upside down reason decides that vaping is equal to smoking, you can always claim ignorance that you would never have considered vaping smoking. Easy conclusion to draw. You really shouldnt be so worried about it to be honest with you.

You have a valid point.

It should definitely be confidential info.

I think I'll just have the doc mark non-smoker and claim ignorance worst case

 

[NU_FTW]

You have a valid point.

It should definitely be confidential info.

I think I'll just have the doc mark non-smoker and claim ignorance worst case

Winner winner chicken dinner!

 

[SteveS45]

Vaping is not smoking as there is no combustion of tobacco products

U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, President of the United States: Reject the FDA's Deeming of Vapor Products as Tobacco Products

 

[Larry J]

Just bear in mind that your insurance company may disagree with you. If you should have a large claim and they find nicotine in your system for whatever reason, your claim could be denied because, in their books, you would then be considered a "smoker."

 

[NU_FTW]

Just bear in mind that your insurance company may disagree with you. If you should have a large claim and they find nicotine in your system for whatever reason, your claim could be denied because, in their books, you would then be considered a "smoker."

Claim to be on nicotine gum/the patch/lozenge.

 

[x3ro]

Just bear in mind that your insurance company may disagree with you. If you should have a large claim and they find nicotine in your system for whatever reason, your claim could be denied because, in their books, you would then be considered a "smoker."

Just as a point of reference: me, my wife, and two step children are on my insurance plan. We've met our out of pocket max for the year. $0 of that out of pocket was used by me. I rarely get sick, and when I do it's for a day or 2 at a time one or twice a year. I've used my insurance only for annual physicals, and once years ago when a contact scratched my eye and I went to the ER.

My wife has never been a smoker, and obviously the two under 18 kids don't smoke.

I appreciate your point of view, though.

I'm just trying to gather the opinions of others before I make my decision.

 

[Bad Ninja]

I read the forum, but don't post much. Thought I'd get some input from you guys here.

This year as part of our physicals to reduce our insurance premiums, smokers have to complete an over-the-phone smoking cessation program (rolls eyes).

I haven't smoked cigarettes in over 3 or 4 years now, strictly vaping only. I vape 6mg juice.

The physical forms are to be filled out by our doctors, and that includes the question "do you smoke?" My doctor would check whichever box I tell him. The form states "any type of tobacco use".

I'm at a bit of a crossroads here. Should I just tell my doctor to check no I don't smoke, and hope HR doesn't get a copy of the forms? I can't imagine they would. Or out of an abundance of caution should I just go through the dumb over-the-phone program?

I don't want my premiums to go up. But I have no desire to quit vaping. I very much enjoy it. It's more of a hobby at this point.

Does anyone have any advice, or have gone through something similar, or maybe done the over the phone cessation thing?

Thanks in advance guys

Lol.
Genius!!!!
Some guys running a phone scam got the insurance company to muscle your company into paying for ...a telephone smoking cessation program.
I am utterly impressed with their hustle.
Thats an awesome scam!
Wish I had thought of this.

 

[x3ro]

Trust me, I laughed when I saw the paper. It's something like you must complete 4 phone "coaching" sessions. Seriously? Is that really going to help someone quit smoking? It's a huge joke.

 

[Alien Traveler]

It's all up to you.
You are not a smoker, we know it.
Insurance company don't know. If - by any means- they want to check your claim, they may want to see your blood/saliva analisis, and they will find nicotine in it. Nicotine for them = smoking. Claim denied, you are in a hole.
From the other hand , for a long as you are healthy, you are fine.
You may gamble, if you wish.

 

[RainSong]

Trust me, I laughed when I saw the paper. It's something like you must complete 4 phone "coaching" sessions. Seriously? Is that really going to help someone quit smoking? It's a huge joke.

I had great luck quitting for awhile using support from a phone service. I was quit over a year that stretch. Of course, it didn't stick forever.

 

[mcclintock]

Vapor has been "deemed" a tobacco product, but when I switched it wasn't. It may be wrong, but I'm not letting the government decide I became unhealthier as of 8/8/16. (As I'm on Obamacare, going back to smoking status would be back to bronze plan, which is basically a catastrophic plan only).

 

[ZCAR1]

"Insurance company don't know. If - by any means- they want to check your claim, they may want to see your blood/saliva analisis, and they will find nicotine in it. Nicotine for them = smoking. Claim denied, you are in a hole"

Buy some Nicorette NOW.
When (IF) your claim is ever denied, appeal it and include a copy of the receipt.