My former employer required both myself and my wife to have blood tests including cotinine as part of their health insurance enrollment.  They used the results to determine insurance premiums.  Prior to doing this, they used annual attestations.  They also provided multiple opportunities to quit tobacco products including fee counseling and medications. 

Dennis Schultz MD MSPH  FACOEM

On Apr 14, 2021, at 3:37 PM, Savidge, Nancy <NancySavidge@Centura.Org> wrote:

Our system only hired non smokers for a few years but then went back to an attestation for reduced benefit costs.
 
Nancy Savidge
Occupational Health Coordinator, St. Anthony Summit Medical Center
Centura Health
 
O: 970.668.6981 | F: 303.397.2013
POB 738, 340 Peak One Dr.  Frisco, CO 80443
 
<image002.png>
 
I am on a mission to provide our employees with timely services, help facilitate organizational goals,  all while striving to treat my co-workers in a Christ-like manner.
 
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces+nancysavidge=centura.org@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Paul Allen via MCOH-EH
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2021 4:26 PM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Cc: Paul Allen <pauljallen@icloud.com>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Smoking - Employees
 

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All our employees have to sign an attestation every year saying they do not smoke, during online open enrollment.
We do not test. 
Non smokers pay less each month towards their medical insurance premium 
 

Interesting thought making non smoker status a condition of hire

 
 
 Paul Allen MD
Confluence Health
OEM Service Line
Wenatchee WA
 


On Apr 13, 2021, at 9:25 AM, Cindy M. Hansen <Chansen@mhg.com> wrote:

 
Hey there,
I am inquiring and seeking info on how folks are implementing their smoking policies, guide to wellness, smoking cessation etc…. 
  • Are there insurance implications (i.e., higher premiums for smokers).
  • Do you test, If yes, how frequently? And with what testing mechanism Cotinine – POC or other?  If positive do you instantly hike their insurance rate or do you give them opportunity to quit?
  • Policy?
  • Anything else I haven’t asked that was an important piece during implementation ? 
 
We  are no going to have no smoking as a condition of hire, but more of trying to guide, assist, and promote healthier lifestyle. 
 
Any comments welcomed.  
 
Cindy Hansen, RN, MSN, CCM
Director, Employee Health 
Memorial Hospital  | 4500 13th Street  | Gulfport, MS 39502-1810
Office:  228.867.4174 | Fax:  228.867.4080 | Cell:  228-323-7654
<image001.png>
 

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The MCOH-EH List has always been moderated by members of the ACOEM Medical Center Occupational Health Section. It is currently moderated by Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM.
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To post send messages to: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
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