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Because we don't smoke, we only pay something like $40 per month for our health insurance. If we smoked, it would be hundreds of dollars a month. The only way to change it once you're a smoker is to get medical treatment and be tobacco free for 1 year under a doctor's care.
So why is it a problem if the drug tests are checking for nicotine? Why should smokers get the perk of discounted insurance?
As many have said, this is most likely about health insurance, not to discriminate against employment. For years, my company has been requiring health screenings and affidavits about not smoking to receive discounts on health insurance. And every year, the "penalty" for refusing health screenings gets stiffer. This year, it's a difference of $1,500 in my deductible in addition to paying higher premiums, if I don't disclose all kinds of personal information to my health insurer.
And people worry about the NSA?
Amazes me that people are so worried about the government, yet no one bats an eyelash when private companies hold guns to our heads to tell them more and more about things that should be none of their business. And I have yet to see any guarantee from them that they won't abuse the information we are disclosing. It's a sad state when now, even privacy is something only the rich will be able to afford.
There's no gun being held to your head. You aren't required to pay take $1,500 higher deductible and premiums. You can simply purchase your own insurance. Let's not twist reality.
Employee freedom is being stripped away more each year. There just aren't enough laws in place to protect us, and its far too easy for employers to get around discrimination laws.
What discrimination? When you go to the store and purchase Product A instead of Product B, is that discrimination? Employers, just like you, are free to choose how they spend their money.
I'm thinking I need to be on Chantix. No health insurance currently so that's not possible. Some people quit and feel fine (or even better). It literally cripples me, and no it isn't just a mental thing. I get this tension headache that won't let up for even 30 seconds. That destroys my mood and has me on the brink of going off on anyone who annoys me.
They say quitting smoking for some people is comparable to heroin/meth as far as withdrawals. I'm thinking I am one of the unlucky few that has it bad. I tried e-cig and nicotine gum, but they are a stop-gap, not a permanent solution.
When you look at the cost of products like Chantix compare it to what you are paying for cigarettes ... Many local governments have stop smoking programs where you can get products like the Patch for little or no cost.
When I quit I did it cold turkey, it helped that no one at home smoked other than me and we moved into a house that hadn't been smoked in in years.
There's no gun being held to your head. You aren't required to pay take $1,500 higher deductible and premiums. You can simply purchase your own insurance. Let's not twist reality.
Purchasing your own insurance is likely going to be well over $1500 per year especially if you have a family plan. And who's to say you won't be drug tested for that policy?
Purchasing your own insurance is likely going to be well over $1500 per year especially if you have a family plan. And who's to say you won't be drug tested for that policy?
At least the employer won't get access to that information. An insurance company is an insurance company... it needs to know what it is insuring.
At least the employer won't get access to that information. An insurance company is an insurance company... it needs to know what it is insuring.
As if an insurance company won't use that info against you. How is an insurance company any better than an employer with regards as to having this information?
As if an insurance company won't use that info against you. How is an insurance company any better than an employer with regards as to having this information?
As the poster implied, the screening is used to assess risk and appropriately apply a discount (or premium) on the insurance. That's better for everyone and not against you.
The insurance company needs this information to insure. An employer doesn't need this information to employ (unless they are providing the insurance).
As the poster implied, the screening is used to assess risk and appropriately apply a discount (or premium) on the insurance. That's better for everyone and not against you.
The insurance company needs this information to insure. An employer doesn't need this information to employ (unless they are providing the insurance).
How is it not against you? They can charge you 15 arms and 22 legs based on the drug test. Employers DO use this info for insurance purposes. Like I said, we receive a massive discount on our insurance because we don't smoke. If we did, we'd be paying hundreds of dollars a month for the policy instead of $40. Heck that 40 bucks even includes vision! I think our dental insurance is now more than our health insurance. It had a big increase this year.
How is it not against you? They can charge you 15 arms and 22 legs based on the drug test. Employers DO use this info for insurance purposes. Like I said, we receive a massive discount on our insurance because we don't smoke. If we did, we'd be paying hundreds of dollars a month for the policy instead of $40. Heck that 40 bucks even includes vision! I think our dental insurance is now more than our health insurance. It had a big increase this year.
The poster said 1500 additional deduction and a higher premium... but no mention of 15 arms and 22 legs. 1500 additional deduction for a smoker is reasonable and overall a good thing because it accounts for the additional risk associated with smoking. As someone who pays into an insurance program, you want to make sure that high risk individuals pay more into the program to accommodate the higher risk they bring in.
Your insurance company believes that 100s of dollars more is required to cover that additional risk. Employers only need that information if you're using their insurance. As I stated before, you have the option to use your own insurance plans.
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How is an insurance company any better than an employer with regards as to having this information?
