Tobacco use surcharge

How to respond

Sign in to Benefits 24/7 and select the "Attestations" tab. You can also submit the appropriate enrollment form.

You do not have to respond for enrolled dependents age 12 and younger. You do not need to respond when the dependent turns age 13, unless they use, or starts using, tobacco products.

Note: Pierce County, Washington State University, and University of Washington employees must attest through Workday.

The surcharge will not apply if:

• You and all enrolled dependents age 18 and older who use tobacco products are enrolled in a tobacco cessation program through your medical plan
• Enrolled dependents age 13 to 17 who use tobacco products have accessed information and resources on Smokefree Teen.

If a provider finds that ending tobacco use or participating in your medical plan’s tobacco cessation program would negatively affect your or your dependent’s health, read about your options in PEBB Program Administrative Policy 91-1.

When can I report a change?

Report a change any time you or any dependents age 13 and older:

• Start using tobacco products.
• Stop using tobacco products for at least two months.
• Enroll in your PEBB medical plan’s tobacco cessation program (for ages 18 and older).
• Access the information and resources in Smokefree Teen (for ages 13-17).

To report a change use Benefits 24/7 or the Premium Surcharge Attestation Change Form.

Note: Pierce County, Washington State University, and University of Washington employees use Workday.

When do changes take effect?

If the change results in a premium surcharge, the surcharge is effective the first day of the month following the status change. If that occurs on the first of the month, the surcharge begins on that day.

If the change means the surcharge no longer applies to you, the surcharge will be removed the first day of the month after we receive your new response. If that occurs on the first of the month, the change to your account begins on that day.

Tobacco use and tobacco products

• Tobacco use is defined as any use of tobacco products within the past two months except for religious or ceremonial use.
• Tobacco products are any product made with or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, including any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product. This includes, but is not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and other tobacco products. Tobacco products do not include e-cigarettes or United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved quit aids, such as over-the-counter nicotine replacement products, and prescription nicotine replacement products.