Tobacco Surcharge and Cessation Programs

To promote the health of our teammates, Owens & Minor imposes a premium surcharge for tobacco users if either they and/or their spouse or domestic partner has used tobacco products in the previous six months. Teammates and their spouses/domestic partners who are non-tobacco users will be eligible for the reward of reduced (non-tobacco) premiums.

A tobacco user is defined as anyone who has used any tobacco products at least four times per week in the last six months, including:

  • Cigarettes
  • Cigars
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Snuff
  • Pipe tobacco

This information is self-reported in Workday HR during enrollment.

Tobacco Cessation Programs

Owens & Minor provides multiple tobacco cessation programs to help you lead a healthier life while lowering your out-of-pocket medical costs. If you are unable to meet the standard of being tobacco-free, you can earn the reward of reduced (non-tobacco) premiums by completing one of the following Tobacco Cessation programs.

For Teammates with a UnitedHealthcare or Surest Plan
Quit For Life® is designed to give you the confidence you need to quit tobacco for good. Get a personalized quit plan and 1:1 access to coaches via phone, chat, or text. Plus, get group video sessions and more, all at no additional cost, with your UHC or Surest medical plan.

PLUS, receive a Quit Kit that includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy like gum or patches to help conquer cravings.

Get started at quitnow.net or call (866) 784-8454 TTY 711.

For Teammates with a Kaiser Plan

Kaiser offers multiple tobacco cessation programs that combine counseling, behavior modification, and medication support. Classes and telephone support are usually offered at no cost to teammates, and the online tobacco cessation program is free. Teammates can also be prescribed over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy at a discount or other medically necessary smoking cessation medications for the usual copay, depending on the teammate’s pharmacy benefit (also may require participation in designated behavioral modification programs). Your Kaiser Permanente physician will determine medical necessity.

To engage in one of Kaiser’s Healthy Lifestyle Programs, including tobacco cessation, you will need to first take the Total Health Assessment at kp.org/tha. You can also contact your KP medical center/PCP or the Member Services phone number on your ID card for more information.

Removal and Refund of Tobacco Surcharge
The premium surcharge may be removed by completing the tobacco cessation program offered by Owens & Minor or an approved reasonable alternative. This must be done within six months of the 2025 benefit effective date associated with the first time you or your spouse/domestic partner first identified as a tobacco user. Once the surcharge is removed, a retroactive refund of the premium surcharge for that year will be issued as soon as administratively possible.

Your proof of completion must be submitted to the O&M Benefits Solutions Team within 10 days of receipt.

 

This Benefits Website provides general information for our benefit eligible employees; however, more detailed information is available within the plan documents and legal contracts between our company and the insurance providers. In case of any discrepancy between this Benefits Website and the plan documents, the plan documents always govern and determine your exact benefits. In addition, the company reserves the right to modify or terminate any benefit plan at any time. Benefits are not a guarantee of employment.