Tobacco User Premium
If you or a covered family member uses tobacco, you must certify as a tobacco user. You will pay $30, $60, or $90 more each month in additional health insurance premiums, depending on how many tobacco users you cover.
| Tobacco users |
Monthly fee |
| Member only |
$30 |
| Spouse only |
$30 |
| Child* only |
$30 |
| Member + spouse |
$60 |
| Member + child* |
$60 |
| Spouse + child* |
$60 |
| Member + spouse + child* (Family) |
$90 |
| *The charge for a child is the same regardless of how many children in the household use tobacco. |
Physician's statement on tobacco use
If you need to send ERS a physician’s statement or affidavit stating that you (or your dependent) cannot stop using tobacco products, the information in that statement or affidavit is considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and you should not give it to your benefits coordinator to send to ERS for you. You can fax, mail, send via overnight delivery, or deliver the statement or affidavit to ERS in person.
- Fax: Write “Tobacco Cessation Program” on the fax cover sheet and fax to the number on the form.
- Mail: ERS, Attention Tobacco Cessation Program, P.O. Box 13207, Austin, TX 78711-3207
- Overnight Delivery: ERS, 200 E 18th Street, Austin, TX 78701
- In person: There is a secure drop box on the left side of the front door that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
