While this document addresses the most commonly asked questions, it does not address every question. In the event that your question is not answered within this document, please contact the Employee Services Unit at 4-ESU@travelers.com or 800.441.4378.

Q1: What is the definition of a non-smoker?
A1: A non-smoker is someone who has not used tobacco products in the previous six months and does not intend to use tobacco products in the future. Tobacco products are defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff.

Q2: Where can I find my smoker status?
A2: Your smoker status is located on HR Self Service under Personal Information > Personal Identity. You will also see your smoker status on the Benefits Information Worksheet when you are enrolling in your benefits for 2010 and on the Affirmation page within the Benefits Enrollment System.

Q3: How can I update that information if it is incorrect?
A3: If you need to change your smoker status to "smoker," you can make this change on HR Self Service under Personal Information > Personal Identity. Changing your smoker status to "non-smoker" will require an affidavit. Contact the ESU for the affidavit.

If you claim non-smoker status, Travelers reserves the right to verify whether you are a non-smoker. If you falsely claim non-smoker status, this could lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment, and you may become liable for the difference between non-smoker and smoker premium changes retroactive to the time you first claimed non-smoker status.

Q4: Where can I find the smoker status for my spouse/domestic partner?
A4: Smoker status for your spouse/domestic partner can be found on the Benefits Information Worksheet, on the affirmation page within the Benefits Enrollment System, and on the Dependent Information page in HR Self Service. If you need to change their smoker status to "smoker," you can make this change in HR Self Service on the Dependent Information page. An affidavit will be required to change their smoker status to "non-smoker.". Contact the ESU for the affidavit.

Q5: Why is there a difference in the medical rates between smokers and non-smokers?
A5: Smoking is the leading cause of death attributed to modifiable lifestyle-based behavior. Company sponsored life insurance programs have used smoker and non-smoker rates for more than nine years. The non-smoker discount for medical rates is used to encourage smokers to quit smoking and work toward a healthier lifestyle. Individuals who do not change their smoking status will continue to participate in the medical plan albeit at a higher premium rate reflecting their higher claim cost potential.

Q6: If I am a non-smoker and my spouse/domestic partner is a smoker, will I pay smoker or non-smoker rates?
A6: Medical rates will be based on a combination of your and your spouse/domestic partners' smoking status as reflected in the Benefits Enrollment System. If either you or your spouse/domestic partner smoke, and your spouse/domestic partner is covered under your medical plan, you will be charged smoker rates.

Q7: What if I am a non-smoker and I add my spouse/domestic partner, who is a smoker, to my medical coverage during the year due to a qualified status change event. Will my medical rates change?
A7: Yes. Your rates will change from non-smoker to smoker rates effective with the date you add your spouse/domestic partner to your medical coverage. Keep in mind that the only time that you may change your benefit elections, other than during Annual Benefits Enrollment, is within 31 days of a qualified status change event and that is only if the change in benefit coverage is consistent with the qualified status change.

Q8: If I am classified as a smoker at the beginning of 2010, will I have to pay smoker rates for my medical coverage for the entire year?
A8: Not necessarily. If you meet the definition of a non-smoker, you can have your status changed by contacting the ESU. Also, if you complete an approved tobacco cessation program and provide a completed certification form along with the tobacco cessation program completion documentation from BCBS or UHC to the ESU within the specified time frame as applicable, and no later than 31 days after completing the program, you will be charged non-smoker medical rates for the remainder of the plan year. Keep in mind that your spouse/domestic partner must be a non-smoker as well, or must also complete an approved tobacco cessation program and submit the required documentation by the deadline for you to receive non-smoker medical rates.

Q9: What is an approved tobacco cessation program?
A9: Starting in 2008, Travelers provided tobacco cessation programs free of charge to medical plan enrollees. The programs are available through BCBS for BCBS medical plan enrollees and UHC for UHC medical plan enrollees. These programs will be deemed approved programs for individuals attempting to become tobacco free.

Q10: If I complete an approved tobacco cessation program, when will my medical rates change?
A10: Your medical rates will change with the next available paycheck after the completed certification form is received and approved by the ESU. You will also receive a refund of the difference in cost between the smoker/non-smoker premiums that you paid retroactive to January 1, 2010. This refund will be taxable income to you.

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