subject: Smoking And Health Insurance [print this page] Everyone is aware of the medical risks associated with smoking, which amounts to a laundry list of problems including death. However, quitting smoking is not as easy as flipping a light switch. Along with the physiological addiction of the body to nicotine, there is also the behavioral aspect that must be addressed. With all of the public crackdowns on smokers in recent years, it comes as no surprise that health insurance companies are getting in on the game.
Health insurance companies usually (though not always) lose money when people get extremely ill and rack up high medical bills, so it is certainly understandable that they are now addressing the effects smoking has on their bottom line. Many now offer smoking cessation treatment coverage, sometimes even free of charge.
Anyone looking to obtain an affordable independent health insurance policy will likely struggle to do so if they are a smoker, regardless of the regularity of smoking. Coverage may be denied in general, or riders may be attached to the policy. These riders will likely exclude coverage for any problems that may potentially result from smoking, such as respiratory issues and certain forms of cancer. Since these problems can actually occur to non-smokers as well, it would certainly be beneficial to take advantage of any smoking cessation treatment coverage.
Once a smoker has beat their addiction, premiums will usually decrease, and coverage may even increase, particularly when it comes to the riders that may be attached. Savings can account to be thousands of dollars annually, excluding even the money saved from not spending on useless cigarettes.
However, anyone that smokes and has group health insurance coverage is not immune from the problems associated with smoking and health insurance. In fact, at this time a full five percent of employers are charging employees that smoke more for their health insurance benefits, while one percent of employers won't hire smokers at all. These statistics are expected to rise dramatically as public outcry continues to rage against the effects of second-hand and third-hand smoke.
Since smokers pay an average of 15-20 percent more for health insurance premiums than non-smokers, the amount of money that could be saved annually is astounding by taking this step to better health and quitting smoking.
To offset the cost of smoking, start with contacting the current health insurance company regarding coverage of smoking cessation treatment and any resulting financial incentives. Consult a physician for the best treatment option for you, and be patient. This is not an overnight process.
For anyone that lacks health insurance, the cost of smoking cessation can be more than smoking in the first place. Fortunately, a number of community clinics and national program assist with these costs. If there are no programs available in your area, one of the newest, most cost-effective options is to try electronic cigarettes. These allow smokers to gradually reduce their nicotine intake down to nothing, while offering flavored, non-nicotine cartridges to maintain the habit while kicking the addiction.
Whatever method of smoking cessation you choose, it is clear that the financial benefits will include lower medical costs, including that of health insurance.
by: Casey Trillbar
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