Tobacco Surcharge FAQ
1. Why did Hendrick add a tobacco surcharge?
As a healthcare provider with vital roles in preserving and improving life
in our region, Hendrick has a responsibility to be among leaders in health
and wellness initiatives. The use of tobacco is one of the leading preventable
health risks worldwide. As part of other efforts around tobacco use on
campus, Hendrick believes this is the right thing to do.
2. Who is required to declare tobacco use?
All Hendrick employees (and spouses, if applicable) electing medical coverage
during benefits enrollment will be required to declare tobacco use. This
will begin with any coverage effective 1/1/2023 and continue thereafter.
Employees (and spouses, if applicable) will be required to declare tobacco
use annually during Annual Enrollment.
3. How is "tobacco use" defined for purposes of the surcharge?
Tobacco use is defined as any form of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, E-cigarettes,
vaping, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, etc.) regardless of the
frequency or method of use within the past 12 months prior to completing
benefits enrollment.
4. What is the amount of the tobacco surcharge?
A $30 bi-weekly tobacco surcharge will be applied to any employee who attests
to tobacco use and a $30 bi-weekly tobacco surcharge will be applied to
any spouse who attests to tobacco use.
5. Will the surcharge be applied if I am not enrolling in medical coverage,
but I am enrolling in other plans?
No, the surcharge only applies to those electing medical coverage.
6. If I currently use tobacco and wish to have the surcharge removed, what can I do?
Hendrick offers reasonable alternatives for employees and spouses to be
eligible to remove this surcharge. The covered participant(s) must complete
an approved tobacco cessation program
OR submit a physician affidavit which can be found in the Forms section of
the Benefits website. Hendrick offers a tobacco cessation program free
of charge to employees and spouses. Contact Hendrick HR Employee Wellness
to learn more.
7. Once HR Benefits receives my completed Tobacco Cessation/Physician Affidavit
Form, when will the tobacco surcharge be removed?
The surcharge will be removed on the first of the month following submission
of the Tobacco Cessation/Physician Affidavit Form.
8. How do I get information about the tobacco cessation program?
You may contact Hendrick Employee Wellness at
wellness@hendrickhealth.org or (325) 670-7777 to request information about this program.
9. If I am solely using tobacco cessation products in my effort to stop
tobacco, does that count as a tobacco product subject to the surcharge?
Yes, this is considered tobacco use for this purpose. If you and/or your
spouse are interested in removal of this surcharge, please see question
above regarding your options for removal.
10. Is a tobacco surcharge legal?
Yes, there is a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allows employers
to charge tobacco users up to 50 percent of the total cost of their health
insurance benefits as a surcharge, provided certain alternatives are offered.
Questions?
Human Resources Benefits
325-670-3163
benefits@hendrickhealth.org
Employee Wellness
HMC: 325-670-7777
HMC South: 325-428-1072
HMC Brownwood: 325-649-3427
Human Resources
HMC: 325-670-3181
HMC South: 325-428-1062
HMC Brownwood: 325-649-3430