Kaiser Permanente (KP) Members Active Employee Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements
Kaiser Permanente (KP) Members Active Employee Tobacco Users Cessation Policy
2026 Active Employee Tobacco Users Cessation Policy* for Kaiser Permanente (KP) Members
This policy only applies to the 2026 plan year. You must notify KP that you have completed all Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements by 12/31/2026 to have the surcharge removed and refunded.
This policy applies to Kaiser Permanente members who use tobacco or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (also known as vapes or electronic cigarettes) and are paying the tobacco surcharge. This policy allows you to have the tobacco surcharge removed by completing the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements through Kaiser Permanente.
The surcharge ($80 per month) applies if the member or any of the member's enrolled dependents are not tobacco-free or do not complete the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements.
If you and your enrolled dependents complete the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements, you will be able to avoid the surcharge for the entire year. This means that the entire tobacco surcharge you paid in 2026 may be refunded after the completion of all the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements. All Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements must be completed in 2026.
Qualifying Events
Members currently paying the tobacco surcharge due to a covered dependent (spouse or child) utilizing tobacco who experience a qualifying event may be eligible to have the tobacco surcharge removed if no other covered dependent is utilizing tobacco.
To be eligible for a refund of the 2026 tobacco surcharges paid prior to the qualifying event, the tobacco user must have completed all Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements prior to the qualifying event. If the tobacco user did not complete all the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements prior to the qualifying event, then the member must complete all the requirements outlined in the Non-Tobacco User Surcharge Removal Policy to be eligible for a refund of the tobacco surcharges paid in 2026.
Kaiser Permanente offers a variety of options to assist SHBP member's efforts to quit using tobacco products. Such options include:
- Quit Tobacco – Wellness Coaching by Phone
- Quit Tobacco Healthy Lifestyle Program – Get tips and advice to help you give up the habit
The steps for Tobacco Surcharge Removal are for SHBP members covered under the Kaiser Permanente Plan Option ONLY and will not satisfy surcharge removal requirements for members enrolled in other Plan Options.
Tobacco-Free means that you have not used tobacco products within the last 60 days.
*Note: The Tobacco Surcharge Removal Policy applies to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery system products.