Most health plans, including Anthem, classify e-cigarettes/vaping as tobacco use. This means using e-cigarettes typically disqualifies you from receiving tobacco-free premium credits or discounts.
Current Policy Regarding E-Cigarettes
Anthem considers e-cigarettes and other vaping products as forms of tobacco/nicotine use:
- Standard Classification: Nicotine use, regardless of source, usually meets the definition of tobacco use for insurance purposes.
- Policy Language: Anthem plan documents explicitly state that using nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, prevents eligibility for tobacco-free incentives.
- Verification Methods: Anthem may verify status through attestation (your declaration) or, in some cases, biochemical testing (like cotinine tests). E-cigarette use will trigger a positive result.
Steps to Qualify for Anthem Tobacco-Free Credits
To become eligible for the credit, you must completely cease using all tobacco/nicotine products:
- Cease All Tobacco and Nicotine Use: Fully discontinue cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, cigars, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum/patches (unless part of a formal cessation program), and other nicotine delivery systems.
- Complete Required Period: Maintain complete abstinence. Anthem typically requires a minimum period (e.g., several months) free from tobacco/nicotine before eligibility begins, or may require ongoing cessation.
- Formal Cessation Program (Recommended): Enroll in Anthem’s Tobacco Cessation Program. Successfully completing such a program often provides documentation of cessation efforts and improves success rates.
- Annual Attestation: During your plan’s designated enrollment or health assessment period, actively attest to your tobacco-free status. Carefully review prompts on Anthem’s online portal or enrollment materials.
- Provide Verification if Requested: Be prepared to provide proof of cessation, such as completion certificates from cessation programs or consent to a nicotine screening test if required by your specific plan.
Understanding the Financial Incentive
Eligible members receive a premium credit applied directly to their monthly health plan premium, reducing the amount due. The exact amount varies significantly based on your specific Anthem plan design (e.g., offered through an employer or individual market) and tier.
Important Considerations
- Plan-Specific Rules: Always refer to your official Anthem Summary of Benefits and Coverage or employer benefits guide. Specific requirements and credit amounts are dictated by your exact plan.
- Honesty is Crucial: Knowingly misrepresenting your tobacco/nicotine status is fraud and can have serious consequences, including loss of coverage.
- Leverage Cessation Support: Utilize Anthem’s resources: counseling, FDA-approved medications (covered per plan), and digital tools significantly enhance cessation success.
