Why does Lubrizol impose a tobacco surcharge?
The surcharge will help offset the additional health care costs incurred by tobacco users. According to a recent Ohio State University study, the annual health care costs for a smoker are more than $2,000 higher than for a nonsmoker.
To whom does the tobacco surcharge apply?
The tobacco surcharge applies if you or any covered family member has used tobacco more than once in the past six months.
Does the surcharge apply to all tobacco use or just cigarettes?
The surcharge applies to all tobacco use — any form, such as a cigar, pipe, cigarette (including herbal), or hookah, or using a smokeless tobacco product, such as chewing tobacco or snuff.
How much is the tobacco surcharge?
You will be assessed $35 per pay period if you or any covered family member uses tobacco.
When and how do I certify whether anyone in my family uses tobacco?
During each annual enrollment, you will be asked to certify whether you or any covered family member uses tobacco products.
Does the tobacco surcharge apply to new hires?
No. The tobacco surcharge is only assessed at annual enrollment. Each annual enrollment you will have to attest to whether or not you and/or your covered family members use tobacco.
What programs/resources are available to help me and/or family members quit tobacco?
One of the main reasons for the tobacco surcharge is to encourage you and your family members to quit using tobacco. To help you do that, Lubrizol offers the Smokeless program free of charge to you and your eligible dependents. To access information on the tobacco cessation program, visit Lubrizol HealthyLife® QuitWell™.
How much will it cost me and/or my family to participate in an approved tobacco cessation program?
The Lubrizol HealthyLife® QuitWell™ program is offered free of charge to you and your covered family members.
What is the 2024 reasonable alternative process?
If you indicate tobacco use during annual enrollment and you wish to avoid the surcharge in 2024, you must complete two criteria:
- You must enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ between October 16 and November 30, 2023, and
- You must complete four out of five coaching calls with your HealthyLife® QuitWell™ coach by March 1, 2024.
What if I don't enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ during the reasonable alternative enrollment period?
If you indicate tobacco use during annual enrollment and fail to enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ during the reasonable alternative enrollment period, the 2024 tobacco surcharge will apply for all of 2024.
What if I enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ during the reasonable alternative enrollment period, but fail to complete my coaching calls?
If you fail to complete the four out of five coaching calls by March 1, 2024, the surcharge will be turned on as soon as administratively practicable after the March 1, 2024, deadline.
What if I quit using tobacco during 2024, can the surcharge be removed?
Yes. If you no longer meet the tobacco use definition, submit a request through MyHR to have the surcharge removed. No refund will be given.
How long must my family be tobacco free before the surcharge is eliminated?
If you do not participate in the reasonable alternative program, you and your family member(s) must be tobacco free for six months before the surcharge is removed. If you successfully reach a tobacco free status, submit a request through MyHR to have the surcharge removed.
What do I need to do to have the surcharge eliminated once my family becomes tobacco free?
If you and/or your covered family member no longer meet the tobacco use definition, contact Corporate Benefits and they will have the surcharge removed.
What if, due to a health factor, it is unreasonably difficult for me or a family member to meet the requirement to be tobacco free?
If your doctor says the HealthyLife® QuitWell™ program isn’t right for you, submit a request through MyHR, and we will work with you (and your doctor) to come up with an alternative for avoiding the tobacco surcharge that is appropriate for your circumstances.
Is the tobacco surcharge determined solely by the certification made by the employee during benefits enrollment?
The tobacco surcharge is determined solely by an employee’s certification during annual enrollment and is based on the honor system (much like the medical surcharge process).
