Last week, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado made a significant change to their small group policies that will impact many small business owners. According to recent updates, owners will see their premiums increased by up to 15 percent for employees that smoke and who are a part of their policies. Higher rates have been charged for smokers on individual policies for some time. This, however, is the first move for small group policies and employer coverage. Depending on the employer, these additional costs in premiums will either be absorbed by the employer or the additional amounts will be passed along to the individual employee who is listed as a smoker. Should an individual voluntarily enter a stop smoking program or quit smoking, their premiums will once again return to the rates of their non-smoking colleagues.

Would you like to offer additional benefits to your employees but don’t have access? Contact StaffScapes to learn more about the HR, payroll and benefit services we offer. 303-466-7864 or info@StaffScapes.com.