Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (ANTHEM) and UnitedHealthcare Members Non-Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (ANTHEM) and UnitedHealthcare Members Active Employee Non-Tobacco Users Surcharge Removal Policy
2026 Active Employee Non-Tobacco Users Surcharge Removal Policy* for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (ANTHEM) and UnitedHealthcare Members
It takes 6 to 8 weeks to complete the requirements for surcharge removal. You must complete the Sharecare RealAge® Test by December 31, 2026 and a telephonic well-being coaching program by December 31, 2026 OR any online challenges by November 30, 2026.
This policy only applies to the 2026 plan year. You must notify Sharecare that you have completed all Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements by December 31, 2026 to have the surcharge removed and refunded.
This policy applies to Anthem and UnitedHealthcare members who do not use tobacco or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (also known as vapes or e-cigarettes) and are paying the tobacco surcharge ($80 per month) due to an error in their election during enrollment. This policy allows the tobacco surcharge to be removed by completing the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements.
Anthem and UnitedHealthcare members who are not tobacco users may have their tobacco surcharge removed by completing the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements through your well-being vendor Sharecare as outlined in the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements.
If you complete the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements, you will be able to avoid the surcharge for the entire year. This means that any surcharge paid prior to completion of the Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements may be refunded after the completion of all Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements. All Tobacco Surcharge Removal Requirements must be completed in 2026.
*Note: The Tobacco Surcharge Removal Policy applies to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery system
products.