Tobacco Fee & Cessation Program
The information below is for Team Members enrolled in a Michaels BCBSTX medical plan. If you are enrolled in the Michaels Kaiser medical plan, please refer to the Tobacco-Free Campus Toolkit for tobacco cessation resources.
Tobacco Fee
If you and/or your spouse or domestic partner have identified as a tobacco user while currently enrolled in Michaels BCBSTX medical plan, you are paying an additional tobacco fee of $30 per person, per paycheck, totaling $780 per person for the current 2024-2025 benefits plan year and the upcoming 2025-2026 benefits plan year. This fee is paid via a payroll deduction from each paycheck.
Participation in the BCBSTX Tobacco Cessation Program will qualify you for the Michaels Tobacco Cessation Incentive, which will waive the tobacco fee, as described below.
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Tobacco Use Status
You will select your tobacco use status when you enroll in your benefits each year. You can only update your tobacco use status during the annual open enrollment period, unless you complete the BCBSTX Tobacco Cessation Program and qualify for the Michaels Tobacco Cessation Incentive.
Michaels Tobacco Cessation Initiative
Michaels would like to reward you for taking steps to improve your health and quit tobacco use throughout the year by waiving your tobacco fee.
How to Have Your Tobacco Fee Waived
- Complete the BCBS Tobacco Cessation Program as described on this page.
- Upon completion of the program, submit a Knowledge Zone ticket to the Benefits Team to have your tobacco fee waived from your payroll deductions moving forward.
- The Benefits Team will then verify your completion of the program with BCBS and update Workday to remove the tobacco fee payroll deduction. It’s that easy!
Note: If medical reasons prevent you from completing the BCBS Tobacco Cessation Program, please contact the Benefits Team at 1-855-432-MIKE (6453) and we will work with you and your physician if you wish to find an alternate way to qualify for the incentive.
In addition to the BCBSTX Tobacco Cessation Program, nicotine patches are covered under the ACA Preventative Drug List for a $0 copay.
BCBSTX Tobacco Cessation Program
Michaels cares about you and your family’s well-being. For all Team Members and covered dependents enrolled in a Michaels BCBSTX medical plan, we are pleased to provide a free Tobacco Cessation Program to help you quit smoking and take steps toward a healthier future.
- The BCBSTX Tobacco Cessation Program is 30 days in length and customized to each member. There is no limit on the number of times the member can complete the program.
- Participation in this program also allows you to qualify for the Michaels Tobacco Cessation Incentive as described above.
More detailed information can be found below and in the Program Overview. To get started, log in to your BCBSTX account.
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Digital Self-Management Program
- Complete weekly online lessons to educate yourself on physical and social consequences of tobacco use, principles of addiction, treatment options, and tobacco-related health statistics.
- Practical action steps: create your own quitting plan to help reduce the potential for relapse prevention.
- Get access numerous calculators, trackers, tools, and educational materials.
Extended Coaching Options
- Telephonic and secured messaging coaching options
- Unlimited access to a coach throughout a program year. Coaches are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (CT).
Helpful Resources
BCBSTX Member Portal Login
