What do you think about Smoker's Surcharges?

Question

I smoke occasionally (no comments, I know the risks...). My company charges $30 extra a month for insurance for anyone who smokes more than 1 cigarette a day in the last 12 months. Do you think it's fair to for employers to implement these surcharges? The 3 years I've been working, I've made NO health care claims (none!). I'm 26 very LOW RISK! Why should I pay more than those who go to the doctor all the time?

Where's my work-related stress rebate?

For those judging the smokers..watch out...they'll be after the overweight people next...then those with a family history of cancer...where will it end?

Smokers and other unheatlhy people cut down on the health care expense...they die sooner. It's the old people out there living forever in nursing homes, the gun shot victims in the cities, WIC, and frivolous lawsuits that cost a lot.

If compainies need to cover their costs better, why don't they just raise everyone's insurance by $5?

What about people who drink and drive? Overweight people don't have a choice not to eat too much??? Women don't have a choice not to have babies out of wedlock? Motorcyclist? I'm just saying where does it end? Everyone has choices! Why do we need to be governed so?

I've never miss a single day off work, other than my 10 vacation days, and 5 for the death of my mother.

Answer 1

An excellent question. It's almost certainly a way to pay for increasing insurance costs while keeping general goodwill: "You see, we are only charging dirty, filthy smokers, who deserve whatever we can dish out.".

You are right about who's driving up the cost; it's sure not us (as you say, we are statistically likely to check out sooner). And, I'm also convinced that the Chubbies will be next, and then, I forcast, drinkers.

Oh, yes; beware, proud non-smokers, our kind will one day be abolished (either by governmental fiat or fate), and then YOU could be at the top of the list. What fun!

*Victory lights up a smoke and dreams of the day when fat guys are harpooned*

Answer 2

people who smoke cost insurance companies billions of dollars a year and have to pay out more. Smokers miss more work days then non smokers. If you choose to harm your health like smoking then you should expect to pay more for insurance.You may have not made a claim yet but it's coming. I disagree overwieght people will be next. They are born that way with the fat gene. just give up smoking and it will solve all your problems. You'll live healthier, happier and longer.

Answer 3

Smokers are charged enough already. The price of cigarettes has increased over $3.00 in the last 35 years. Now there are bans on where you are allowed to smoke. Some places won't even allow you to smoke in your own vehicle if your in there parking lot. Most restuarants don't allow smoking. Some bars don't allow you to smoke either. Your right where will it end. Some companies will not insure you if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure. Where did our free country go.

Answer 4

Well, having just seen the treatment my best friend's stepfather went through before dying of lung cancer, I really don't know if it "cut down on the health care expense" that he died younger . My company recently added a smoker's surcharge, too, and while it seems like a good idea to me, I can also see your point about adding other surcharges on (if they do it by weight I'm in serious trouble!).

Answer 5

Insurance companies try to 'preselect' those clients (insureds) who will make the most claims and either deny them coverage or charge them more. Since they don't have a perfect crystal ball to say who will get cancer or heart disease or AIDS or other specific diseases, they look at factors that will 'predict' those diseases. Smoking is one factor. Height/Weight, family history are others. Some health policies exclude anyone who works in a night club (guess why?) Wait until medical science perfects the DNA testing to predetermine who will get Alzheimer's etc.

Auto insurance is more expensive for teenage boys. Guess why? They have the most accidents.

Answer 6

I agree that charging smokers a surcharge sets a very dangerous precedent. How long before we need to submit a DNA sample before we can be insured?

Answer 7

I guess if they are going to charge smokers extra then they'd have to charge people who are obese extra, too. Where does it stop? Do they begin to look into the genetic makeup of their employees to see if they're predisposed to certain diseases and charge them more?

Answer 8

its not fair
because then theyll be doing it to everyone
for every little reason.
Unless your taking smoke breaks every 20 minutes i dont see why you should have to pay anything. If you smoke its your choice
you shouldnt be punished for it.

Answer 9

(i like your name its nice and simpal). you do have a point but everyone should not have to suffer for only like half the people but what u r saying would make more since so i dont no

Answer 10

You are just not risking your life..... you are risking other's life as well....