Tobacco Premium - FAQs
Why does Loyola University Chicago have a Tobacco Premium?
Loyola University Chicago supports a culture of health and wellness, including promoting the university community to make healthy choices.
- The goal of the tobacco premium is to discourage the use of tobacco products, which are harmful to your health.
- Eliminating tobacco is a proactive way to help manage health care costs for everyone.
- A robust offering of tobacco cessation programs and cessation drugs support this health and wellness initiative.
What is the Tobacco Premium?
Faculty and staff members who use tobacco products within the last three months, and are enrolled in Loyola's medical plan, will incur a $50 per month premium on your medical contributions.
- Premium pricing is deducted from your (bi-weekly or monthly) earnings.
To whom does the additional premium apply?
All Faculty & Staff covered under Loyola University Chicago medical plans who are tobacco users.
How can Loyola University Chicago help me quit using tobacco?
Loyola University Chicago recognizes that quitting tobacco use can be a significant personal challenge and offers numerous resources to help you. For more information, visit the Smoking Cessation Resources webpage.
How do I certify that I am or am not a Tobacco User?
Each faculty and staff member enrolled in the Loyola Medical Plan will need to complete online annual Open Enrollment through Employee Self-Service each fall, to certify or re-certify tobacco use premium attestation for January 1 of the following year.
- This certification must be renewed each year during annual Open Enrollment in order to avoid the medical premium. To report a change in tobacco usage mid-year, please contact the Benefits Department directly via email at benefits@luc.edu.
How much will the Tobacco Premium cost me?
The tobacco premium is $50.00 per month (or $600.00 per year).
What is considered a Tobacco Product?
The following are considered tobacco products. If you use any of these products, you must certify as a tobacco‐user. Tobacco products include:
- Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, loose tobacco smoked via a pipe, hand rolled cigarettes, or hookah, electronic cigarettes, vaping products, and any other tobacco product - regardless of the frequency or method of use.
If My Spouse/LDA or Eligible Dependent Child uses Tobacco Products and they are a Covered Dependent on my Loyola Medical Plan, does the Tobacco Premium apply?
No. The tobacco premium ONLY applies to faculty and staff members who currently use tobacco products and are enrolled in a Loyola University medical plan on or after January 1, 2018.
What happens if I am a Tobacco User, but I Certify that I am not (what if I lie in order to avoid the charge)?
The University is committed to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct as an integral part of its mission, the promotion of learning. To achieve this goal, the University relies on Faculty and Staff members ethical behavior, honesty, integrity and good judgement.
- We expect members of Loyola University Chicago to report honestly.
Any false statement would be considered a violation of our Code of Conduct, and could lead to disciplinary action leading up to and including termination, at the sole discretion of Loyola University Chicago. Additionally, the consequences of a false statement, if discovered, are that you would lose all university contribution to your health premium.
Are there approved Tobacco Cessation Drugs that I can take that are covered under my Prescription Drug Plan?
Yes. A list of prescription drugs (such as the nicotine patch or nicotine gum) covered by CVS Caremark are located on the CVS Caremark portal and are updated on a quarterly basis. Please visit CVS Caremark portal to create an account and access the most up to date information.
What happens if I quit using Tobacco Products during the year? Can I receive the Premium break mid-year if I become Tobacco-free?
If you enroll in a Tobacco Cessation Program, complete the components of the program, and provide a certification of completion, you will be eligible for the lower non-tobacco premium beginning the first of the month following receipt of your notification. Please contact the Benefits Department upon completion of the cessation program.
What if I do stop using tobacco 3 months prior to certifying but start using tobacco again sometime during the year?
If you become a tobacco user at any time during the year, you should notify Human Resources at benefits@luc.edu so the premium can be applied.