The reward for state employees going or staying
tobacco-free takes another dramatic jump for 2013. Next year, the state is
offering a $35 reduction in bi-weekly health plan premiums to each employee who agrees to
not use tobacco during 2013. For 2012, the state offered a $25 reduction per
pay.
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While you are completing open enrollment for your 2013
health benefits, you will have the option to select the Non-Tobacco Use
Agreement. If you select this, that means you will not use any tobacco products
throughout 2013 and agree to nicotine testing. The testing is conducted at
random, so there is no knowledge of when to expect the procedure.
To receive the $35 incentive, an employee must be
tobacco-free by Jan. 1, 2013, and continue so through the calendar year. If you
currently use tobacco, but plan to quit and select the agreement, you would be
wise to stop using tobacco now.
The use of tobacco includes all forms – smoking or
smoke-free (chewing, crushing tobacco leaves and sprinkling on food, etc.). If
you sign the agreement and then later use tobacco, your employment with the
state will be terminated.
The agreement does not carry over, so if you want the 2013
incentive, you need to complete the Non-Tobacco Use Agreement during open
enrollment. The incentive is available only to state employees who have
enrolled in medical coverage.
Anyone interested in getting help to become tobacco free,
log onto or call Quit Now Indiana: www.quitnowindiana.com/ or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This
is a free service.
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