The companies imposing the surcharges are mostly self-insured, with employers and employees sharing the insurance premium costs. The increase is ranges from about $20 to $50 a month.
Other companies or insurance plans have offered workers financial rewards for exercising, dieting, or other healthy behaviors. Some have started onsite fitness programs and are paying for gym memberships.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates $92-billion in lost wages annually in the United States from smokers who die prematurely. In addition, the economic cost of smoking includes $75.5-billion per year in direct health care costs.
