Effective January 1, 2010, a surcharge will be added to the health insurance premiums of tobacco users covered by the Employee Insurance Program (EIP). The South Carolina Budget and Control Board approved the surcharge because of the high cost of tobacco use to all EIP health plans -- an estimated $75 million a year for tobacco-related illnesses.

If you — or anyone you cover under your health plan — smokes or uses tobacco, you will pay the surcharge of $25 per month. You will be automatically charged the tobacco-user premium, unless you certify no one covered under your health insurance uses tobacco and no one has used tobacco within the past six months.

All subscribers must submit certification concerning their tobacco use to EIP as soon as possible. You may submit your certification one of two ways:

• You can certify online at MyBenefits. Once you log in, you will see a link to certify. You can print a copy of the certification for your records.
• You can complete a paper Certification Regarding Tobacco Use form and return it to EIP.

For more information on the tobacco surcharge and certification

Frequently Asked Questions

EIP is sending a letter on the tobacco surcharge and certification to retiree, COBRA and survivor subscribers. To view the letter, click here.