Wellness at a cost

Employees of a US city who use tobacco products can expect to pay more for their health insurance starting in 2019, according to a WPXI story.
From January 4, tobacco-using employees of the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be the subject of a $50 monthly premium surcharge.
According to a letter sent to employees, they must complete and sign an affidavit, stating whether or not they are tobacco users.
The letter states that the city informed employees of the coming changes in October 2017.
According to the letter, employees who do not use tobacco for at least three months, or who participate in a cessation program, will not pay tobacco-user payroll contributions.
The letter introduced a new wellness platform administrator and said all employees’ wellbeing was valued by the City of Pittsburgh.
It said, in part, under a ‘What to look forward to’ heading: ‘The wellness program is designed to meet your specific wellness needs using these four wellness dimensions: mind, body, heart and spirit’.
‘This program is based on a points system and sets goals for employees to improve their wellbeing. These are called “MOJO Points” and when you earn a total 750 points you will be eligible for a reward,’ the letter said.