Do I pay more if I use tobacco?

What is changing for 2027

This is a passive enrollment. Tobacco/nicotine attestations completed for the 2026 plan year carry forward to 2027 unless you change them during Open Enrollment.

• If you attested in 2026 that you are a Non-Tobacco/Nicotine User, that status carries forward to 2027 unless you submit a new attestation.
• If you attested in 2026 that you are a Tobacco/Nicotine User, that status carries forward to 2027 unless you submit a new attestation.
• If no attestation is on file, you and/or your spouse/domestic partner default to Tobacco/Nicotine User status.

Definitions

• Non-Tobacco/Nicotine User: an individual who has not used any tobacco/nicotine product in the past 90 days. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes; e-cigarettes or vaping devices; pipes or cigars; chewing tobacco or snuff; and any other smoking or smokeless tobacco/nicotine product.
• Tobacco/Nicotine User: an individual who has used any tobacco/nicotine product within the past 90 days.

Even if you are not enrolled in medical

Hormel highly recommends completing the attestation even if you are not currently enrolled in a medical plan. If you do not attest during your initial enrollment period, you are automatically marked as a tobacco/nicotine user, but you can attest during any mid-year life event.

How to avoid the surcharge

To avoid up to a $30 per pay period surcharge, you must either:

1. 1

   Attest in Oracle that you and your spouse/domestic partner (if applicable) are tobacco/nicotine-free, or

2. 2

   If either of you uses tobacco/nicotine, each user must register for and complete the American Lung Association’s free cessation program, Freedom From Smoking®, within 60 days after becoming benefit eligible.¹

3. 3

   You are responsible for submitting certificates of completion for yourself and your spouse/domestic partner. Email them to hrsolutioncenter@hormel.com.

¹ Notice regarding Reasonable Alternative Standard

If you or your Spouse’s/Domestic Partner’s physician determines that quitting Tobacco/Nicotine or completing the American Lung Association’s free cessation program (Freedom From Smoking®) is not medically appropriate for you and your Spouse/Domestic Partner (if applicable), we will provide a reasonable alternative standard that accommodates the recommendations of your physician with regard to medical appropriateness. Contact hrsolutioncenter@hormel.com for further information.

Where this page comes from

This page is not from the 2026 book. It uses the attestation wording the Hormel benefits team supplied on January 23, 2026 and the 2027 changes supplied on August 6, 2026 (docs/sources/tobacco-2026 in the portal repository). Your Oracle enrollment is the official record.