Why does Lubrizol impose a tobacco/nicotine surcharge?
The surcharge will help offset the additional health care costs incurred by tobacco/nicotine 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/nicotine surcharge applies if you or any covered family member has used tobacco/nicotine more than once in the past six months.
Does the surcharge apply to all tobacco/nicotine use or just cigarettes?
The surcharge applies to all tobacco/nicotine use — any form, such as a cigar, pipe, cigarette (including herbal), e-cigarette, vapes, or hookah, or using a smokeless tobacco/nicotine product, such as chewing tobacco or snuff.
How much is the tobacco/nicotine surcharge?
You will be assessed $35 per pay period if you or any covered family member uses tobacco/nicotine.
When and how do I certify whether anyone in my family uses tobacco/nicotine?
During each annual enrollment, you will be asked to certify whether you or any covered family member uses tobacco/nicotine products.
Does the tobacco/nicotine surcharge apply to new hires?
No. The tobacco/nicotine 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/nicotine.
What programs/resources are available to help me and/or family members quit tobacco/nicotine?
One of the main reasons for the tobacco/nicotine surcharge is to encourage you and your family members to quit using tobacco/nicotine. To help you do that, Lubrizol offers the HealthyLife® QuitWell™ program free of charge to you and your eligible dependents. To access information on the tobacco/nicotine cessation program, visit Lubrizol HealthyLife® QuitWell™.
How much will it cost me and/or my family to participate in an approved tobacco/nicotine cessation program?
The Lubrizol HealthyLife® QuitWell™ program is offered free of charge to you and your covered family members.
What is the 2025 reasonable alternative process?
If you indicate tobacco/nicotine use during annual enrollment and you wish to avoid the surcharge in 2025, you must complete two criteria:
- You must enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ between October 14 and November 30, 2024, and
- You must complete four out of five coaching calls with your HealthyLife® QuitWell™ coach by February 28, 2025.
What if I don't enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ during the reasonable alternative enrollment period?
If you indicate tobacco/nicotine use during annual enrollment and fail to enroll in HealthyLife® QuitWell™ during the reasonable alternative enrollment period, the 2025 tobacco/nicotine surcharge will apply for all of 2025.
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 February 28, 2025, the surcharge will be turned on as soon as administratively practicable after the February 28, 2025, deadline.
What if I quit using tobacco/nicotine during 2025, can the surcharge be removed?
Yes. If you no longer meet the tobacco/nicotine use definition, submit a request through MyHR to have the surcharge removed. No refund will be given.
How long must my family be tobacco/nicotine-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/nicotine-free for six months before the surcharge is removed. If you successfully reach a tobacco/nicotine-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/nicotine-free?
If you and/or your covered family member no longer meet the tobacco/nicotine 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/nicotine-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/nicotine surcharge that is appropriate for your circumstances.
Is the tobacco/nicotine surcharge determined solely by the certification made by the employee during benefits enrollment?
The tobacco/nicotine 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).
