Employees Who Smoke Face Health Care Surcharge

Paul Gores:

That’s why she is troubled by a rule that will go into effect at her company next January. Trapp-Dietz and other smokers who work at Northwestern Mutual – regardless of whether they light up at home or outside the building at work – will pay an extra $25 a month for health insurance coverage.

Trapp-Dietz said considers the fee an invasion of her private life.

“I know I have to quit, and I really want to. But I don’t like being told to by my employer,” she said.

These type of disincentives are already in play if one purchases other benefit type products such as life insurance.