Can smokers be discriminated against for health insurance purposes?
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Can smokers be discriminated against for health insurance purposes?
I smoke 10 cigarettes a day and will be forced to pay huge health insurance costs through my employer’s plan. Haven’t had this experience in my 9 years with the company. There are no added fees for obesity or for daily (off the job) alcohol consumption. I feel that if tobacco crops are government subsidized and the product is legally sold, I should not be penalized if morbidly obese and drinkers are not.
Asked on August 10, 2011 Florida
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
I know that it seems unfair to you but unfortunately you can indeed be charged more for smoking where health insurance is concerned. And I disagree with you on the issue of at least obesity. Over weight people can also be charged a larger (sorry for the pun) premium than those that are within the guidelines for their height, weight, etc. The effects of smoking - even smoking only 10 cigarettes a day - are well known to all. If you want to reduce your premium then you need to quit. It is not discrimination. It is allocating risk: the insurance company is taking a greater risk insuring you and they are allowed to charge a higher premium because the risks associated with insuring you are greater.
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