My university (indeed, the entire University of Texas system) will begin charging its tobacco-using employees $30 per month on 1 September. See here. I laughed when I read this:
UT System will implement the Tobacco Premium Program as part of the UT SELECT Medical plan on September 1, 2012, the first day of the new plan year. It is being implemented because UT System cares about the health and well-being of its members.
Aw! UT System cares about me! Who knew? Actually, UT System doesn't care a whit about me. It cares about saving money.
In case you're wondering, I support the new policy. Tobacco users should pay their own way. They impose costs on the rest of us in many ways, from littering to secondhand smoke (in the case of smokers) to increased health-insurance premiums. It's a matter of personal responsibility. I live a clean, wholesome life. I should not have to subsidize those who live otherwise.
Addendum: How will the new policy be enforced? Read the answer to question 11 here. I would go further. There should be mandatory drug tests for all employees, or at least all new employees. If you want to work at UTA, you must submit to drug tests. If you won't submit, seek work elsewhere.
