Snus and health insurance

[Ex Dipper]

Just wondering if anyone claims their snus usage on their insurance. I know mine asked me if I was a smoker, which I answered no to. I don't know however if my snus use could effect my insurance. Anyone who know anything?


Moved from Newbies. It's probably more appropriate here
lxskllr

[lxskllr]

I don't think they can even ask about smoking in MD, but I haven't had insurance for awhile. In any case, never volunteer anything. In case you didn't hear me, NEVER VOLUNTEER ANYTHING! :^D That's a good philosophy to live by in general, but especially with regards to insurance, and bureaucracies in general.

[c.nash]

Don't tell them unless they ask.

[WickedKitchen]

Same as above. I'd guess that it would mean you're willfully partaking in the early-death product of tobacco...y'know with all the fiberglass and all...so I'd bet an entire paycheck that your insurance company would mark you down just the same as they would if you had said yes to smoking. To them it's a way out and a way to justify charging you more. Most now ask if you use tobacco instead of asking if you smoke.

[CultLeaderLettuce]

I signed up for insurance when I still smoked, and it asked me if I was a smoker (to which I answered yes). Now that I have been a non-smoker for about a year, and am a regular snuser and snuffer now, I'm wondering if I should go back to my insurance and tell 'em that I am no longer a smoker. If so, would they test me for nicotine, or for chemicals specifically found in the bloodstream/urine that are caused by the inhalation of tobacco smoke?

Anyone know, or have done this before?

[Mr. Snuffleupagus]

Don't lie or they might not pay out when you need it. If they say "do you smoke" and you don't, say no. But a lot of them ask "do you use tobacco" so if you snus, you say yes. Just don't give them an excuse to f you over IMO.

[sgreger1]

Wrong. They cannot test for snus. My health insurance just gave me a nicotene/smoking test to ensure im not an evil smoker. I passed with the highest possible score. This was last week during out health and welness fair.

They cant knownif your snusing. Most of these tobacco tests only test for your carbon manoxide levels. Theres no way for them to know if you dont tell them.

[sgreger1]

I signed up for insurance when I still smoked, and it asked me if I was a smoker (to which I answered yes). Now that I have been a non-smoker for about a year, and am a regular snuser and snuffer now, I'm wondering if I should go back to my insurance and tell 'em that I am no longer a smoker. If so, would they test me for nicotine, or for chemicals specifically found in the bloodstream/urine that are caused by the inhalation of tobacco smoke?

Anyone know, or have done this before?

Yes, i work at an insurance company. They will make you breath into this device, and it will test your cabon minoxide poisoning levels. I just took this a week ago and got the best possible score. Snusing does not show up on it whatsoever. I was classified as a non tobacco user despite me using a can a day.

[sgreger1]

I don't think they can even ask about smoking in MD, but I haven't had insurance for awhile. In any case, never volunteer anything. In case you didn't hear me, NEVER VOLUNTEER ANYTHING! :^D That's a good philosophy to live by in general, but especially with regards to insurance, and bureaucracies in general.

This should be everyones mantra. Never say more than you are legally required too. It will get you in trouble. Its not lying if you ommit it.

[Simplysnus]

Yes, i work at an insurance company. They will make you breath into this device, and it will test your cabon minoxide poisoning levels. I just took this a week ago and got the best possible score. Snusing does not show up on it whatsoever. I was classified as a non tobacco user despite me using a can a day.

Would fail blood test for nicotine I'm guessing?

[Jwalker]

Fail with flying colors no doubt.

[precious007]

I wouldn't tell them.

What's the point anyway?

Probably cutting down the dental insurance coverage. (if you have one with the insurance plan)

[WickedKitchen]

Actually, I think they look for continine in your blood. From what I remember this is the byproduct produced when you metabolize nicotine. They took my blood when I got my latest insurance, as well as life insurance, and disability. I did abstain from nicotine for about 80 hours just to be sure. I was dipping at the time.

[sgreger1]

Actually, I think they look for continine in your blood. From what I remember this is the byproduct produced when you metabolize nicotine. They took my blood when I got my latest insurance, as well as life insurance, and disability. I did abstain from nicotine for about 80 hours just to be sure. I was dipping at the time.

Wow, what a dick insurance company. That expensive but may be cost effective for them. I've never had to do anything of the sort and have always claimed nicotene free. I get health and welfare credits so if I stay nicotene free and under a certain BMI/cholesterol level etc I get like 60$ a month off my insurance, which means it costs almost nothing, so totally worth it. Theyve taken blood, but they obviousely havn't tested it for continine. They just do carbon monoxide blood tests here.

[WickedKitchen]

yeah, and they charge me $880/mo for the wonderful world of Aetna...plus my company kicks in $350/mo. I almost want to get sick so I can ride to the hospital in a Cadillac ambulance. Don't get me started...I'm bitter enough already. I can't imagine what it would be for a smoker.