Tobacco Premium Program (TPP)
The use of tobacco is one of the leading preventable health risks worldwide. Because UT System is committed to promoting a culture of wellness and disease prevention, while also recognizing the costs associated with treating tobacco related health conditions, starting September 1, 2012, the Tobacco Premium Program (TPP) will be implemented for tobacco users enrolled in the UT SELECT Medical plan.
What is the TPP and who does the TPP apply to?
- An out-of-pocket premium of $30 per month for UT SELECT members who use tobacco products
- Applies to any tobacco user (age 16 and over) enrolled in the UT SELECT Medical plan
TPP Premium Rate(s)
| Tobacco User Premium |
Monthly Out-of-Pocket Cost |
| Member |
$30 per month |
| Spouse |
$30 per month |
| Children |
$30 per month* |
*The premium for dependent children is $30 per month regardless of how many covered dependent children use tobacco. The maximum premium is $90 per family per month.
Who is considered a tobacco user?
A tobacco user is a person enrolled in the UT SELECT Medical plan, age 16 and above, who has used tobacco products within the past sixty (60) days.
What types of tobacco are included in the TPP?
All types of tobacco products are included as part of the Tobacco Premium Program, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, or any other product that contains tobacco), clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices that use tobacco such as hookahs. E-cigarettes, which contain nicotine, are also included under the tobacco premium program.
Where and how do I declare that I use tobacco, or that one or more of my dependents use tobacco?
- During Annual Enrollment (July 15-July 31, 2012), you must declare whether you and/or any of your covered dependents use tobacco by logging into your benefits account on the My UT Benefits website.
- Outside of Annual Enrollment, you must make any changes regarding your tobacco usage and that of any covered dependents by printing out, completing and signing the declaration form. Submit the completed and signed form to your institution Benefits Office.
Any additional premium associated with a tobacco user declaration will start the first of the month following the declaration or September 1, 2012, whichever is later.
Where can I learn more about the TPP?
A page of Frequently Asked Questions can be viewed on OEB’s Tobacco Premium Program website.
How can the UT SELECT Medical plan help me quit using tobacco?
The UT System is committed to helping tobacco users quit by offering our UT SELECT covered members Smoking/Tobacco Cessation Programs, Pharmaceutical Therapy and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at no cost to the member. Learn more about programs available at our Living Well website.
