Good Morning, PIBbers! The State of Oregon has legislated that all health benefit plans covering Oregonians must provide payment, coverage or reimbursement of at least $500 for a tobacco use cessation program for a person enrolled in the plan who is 15 years of age or older. Enrolled Senate Bill 734, sponsored by Senator MORRISETTE; Senators BATES, MONNES ANDERSON and TELFER is effective January 1, 2010. This is a great way to kick the habit and have someone else pay for it!
Already we are hearing the complaints from those out there who believe this is yet another way of driving up rates. Arguably one of the dumbest concerns is the cost of treatment vs. the potential to affect premiums due to the coverage now being mandated. Let’s see…what’s more expensive? $500 to help a person stop smoking or anywhere from $25,000 and up for heart bypass surgery? $500 or upwards of $30,000 for a stroke? Hmmmm….