Tobacco Cessation Program

Now is the time to start, by way of stopping.

Now is the time to stop using tobacco products and start saving money. PEIA health premiums and optional life insurance premiums give discounts to employees and families that have been tobacco free for at least 6 months. PEIA also has a program to help you on your way to a healthier life without tobacco.

Tobacco Cessation Program

PEIA PPB Plans provide benefits for participants who wish to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco products. These include not only cigarettes and cigars, but also smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping. What constitutes tobacco use? If the product is regulated by the FDA under the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, Public Law 111–31, then it is considered a tobacco product and its use is "tobacco use" under PEIA Rule(s).

To access the benefits, simply visit your primary care provider. PEIA will cover an initial and follow-up visit to your physician or nurse practitioner. Tobacco-cessation products, both prescription and non-prescription are available at no cost when prescribed by a physician and purchased at a network pharmacy. Both the deductible and the copayment are waived.

For more information about this program, please see your Summary Plan Description.

Tobacco-Free Savings

Only those members who have been paying the Standard (tobacco-user) premium are eligible for the Tobacco Cessation benefit. If you signed an affidavit claiming to be tobacco-free, you will be declined the Tobacco Cessation benefit.

All health and optional life insurance premiums are based on the tobacco-use status of insureds. Tobacco-free insureds receive the preferred monthly premium rate. Insureds must have been tobacco-free for 6 months prior to the beginning of the Plan Year to qualify for the discount for the entire plan year. For family health coverage, all enrolled family members must be tobacco-free to qualify the family for the reduced rate. PEIA reserves the right to review medical records to check for tobacco use.

Members who become tobacco-free during a plan year may apply for the discount when they have been tobacco-free for at least six months. PEIA has sixty days from receipt of the tobacco affidavit to process the request and implement the discount. The tobacco-free discount will apply only to future premiums, and WILL NOT be applied retroactively. No refunds will be granted based on tobacco status.

Newly hired insureds must have been tobacco-free for 6 months prior to their effective date of coverage to qualify for the discount, and must complete the tobacco affidavit online or on paper to receive the discount.

What constitutes tobacco use? If the product is regulated by the FDA under the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, Public Law 111–31, then it is considered a tobacco product and its use is "tobacco use" under PEIA Rule(s).

Questions about the Tobacco Cessation benefit? Contact PEIA at 1-888-680-7342.

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