I am currently considering blowing the cover off a case involving Insurance companies and some of their clients ( where it applies) as plaintiffs against a company. I wish to remain anonymous. Would using legal representation on my behalf accomplish this? I know insurance companies have their own legal council and can represent themselves, but there is no guarantee of my name being kept out of it, while relaying the necessary information. I have also considered using an investigative reporter. What ever the route, there will have to be some gathering of evidence before launching the case, which I have the information of, but no resources to do it. Any advice is appreciated.

Remaining anonymous may prove difficult with you posting on public website where you state you work for this company. You might be better off seeking infomation directly from an Attorney. Many grant one free office visit. If your not already aware no one is really anoymous on internet. This site has some wonderful resources you might consider

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Your best advice legal advice does not come from internet message boards, Police, friends, family, your neighbors etc.It comes from an Attorney. Advice given here should not replace legal advice from a qualified Attorney.
Non legal parenting and relationship issues http://www.parentnook.com/forum/

Have you browsed through the information in LawInfo's Free Legal Resource Center to learn more about your issue yet? See: http://www.lawinfo.com/consumer.html. You can certainly try to speak to a lawyer to determine what legal options may be available. In the meantime, you may be able to learn more on your own. Search the "Free Legal Resources" tab, or browse the Consumer Resources. Good luck.

April 20, 2009

To: Employees Participating in the University's Group Medical Insurance Programs
From: Robert Chance, Director of Payrolls
Subject: Tobacco Use Surcharge

The State of Tennessee's ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and affordable health care for all employees include constant review and monitoring of plan expenses. This effort has yielded some alarming statistics most notable that from 2001 to 2008, claims expenditures grew by 121 percent, a truly unsustainable growth. Accordingly, the Office of Benefits Administration at the State has undertaken a review of probable causes and what can be done to bring overall health care costs under control. One of the leading life choice causes for increased claims experience has been the on-going use of tobacco by plan participants. Consequently, the State, Local Education and Local Government Insurance Committees voted on March 31 to implement a Tobacco Use Surcharge and Quitter's Refund program. The surcharge will apply to all of the group medical plans (PPO, POS, and HMOs) beginning with the December 2009 payrolls for the 2010 plan year.

This policy is intended to encourage plan members to take appropriate steps toward giving up use of tobacco products and is funded through a $50 per-month surcharge for plan members who use tobacco. The surcharge is applicable if the employee or covered spouse (surcharge does not apply to covered dependents) uses tobacco. However, quitting is completely voluntary and remains the choice of individual members.

Employees and covered spouses who currently use tobacco and wish to avoid the surcharge entirely will have access to a variety of free and low cost quit supports, which can help them be tobacco free by July 1, 2009. Members who choose to quit by this date will not be subject to the surcharge in 2010.

Members who do not quit before July 1, 2009, will be subject to the surcharge in 2010 but will continue to have full access to all cessation benefits.

For those who successfully kick the habit in 2010, a Quitter's Refund will be available, which can result in a full refund of the first year's surcharge. Members who pay at least six months of the surcharge will be eligible to receive a $300 refund for remaining tobacco-free for six months and an additional $300 for remaining tobacco-free for an additional six months (one year total).

Plan members have full access the Tennessee Department of Health Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This free hotline provides cessation counseling and resource information which can help kick the habit. Employees who sign up will receive free tobacco quit kits and will work with a free quit coach for up to one year.

Beginning May 1, several additional resources will be made available to plan members who wish to quit using tobacco. The Insurance Committee voted last week to implement the following benefits as part of perhaps the most generous coverage of tobacco cessation options in the country:
- $5 co-pays for patches, gum and lozenges ($10 co-pay for 90-day supply);
- $5 co-pays for prescriptions to help members quit, such as Chantix and Bupropion ($10 co-pay for 90-day supply).

These co-pays and benefits will be available for all members of the PPO, POS and HMO plans.

Because quitting any form of tobacco should be overseen by a physician to ensure safety and effectiveness, members will need to get a prescription from their doctor for all quit aids, including those which are available over the counter. This prescription, coupled with the insurance card, will ensure members pay only the $5 or $10 co-pay.

A series of free quit support seminars will be held at locations throughout the state beginning in May. These voluntary sessions will provide tips for successfully giving up tobacco and will provide a chance for members to learn more about safely quitting and how to get the most from the State's quit support program. The University's Human Resources Office will coordinate these seminars with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Magellan Health Services. A complete schedule will be provided soon.

I know that this may seem harsh, but cases have gone to court regarding this and the courts have said it is not discrimination. Have you browsed through the information in LawInfo's Free Legal Resource Center to learn more about your issue yet? See: http://www.lawinfo.com/consumer.html. You can certainly try to speak to a lawyer to determine what legal options may be available. In the meantime, you may be able to learn more on your own. Search the "Free Legal Resources" tab, or browse the Consumer Resources. Good luck.