Detoxing for insurance

[TidalWave]

Well, got laid off on Monday, so I've begun my nicotine detox in anticipation of dealing with a new health insurance company when I lose my current one (roughly 5 months from now if I don't get a new gig sooner).

I have been pleasantly surprised to have no withdrawal of any kind, confirming my belief that cigars/pipes/snuff are way less addictive than cigs....

That said, I'll hang out much less -- temptations and all. See you in the summer!

 

[Dannylikewingy]

Do you have to do a screening for health insurance? I never have.....and with nationalized healthcare coming, doubt they’ll be screening for nicotine.

 

[MakDragon]

Sorry to hear about the job! That sux.
Good luck with everything!

 

[crash71665]

I have a yearly health screen (including nicotine test). In past years I've laid off any tobacco in preparation of this. This past fall, I failed to do so. In fact I smoked my pipe the night before and its an oral test that they perform. I passed (surprisingly). I do believe that I don't absorb nicotine very well considering that I seldom feel effects of it.

 

[Billy Joe]

Good luck with the job search.

 

[Fritz]

Good luck sir.

 

[SmokeRings]

I never really feel the effects of withdrawal from pipes or cigars the way I did when I was on the coffin nails, I might smoke multiple pipes a day for a week, then simply not feel like it for a few days, and it never even occurs to me that I might be undergoing a withdrawal, I get to be in charge of my nicotine consumption, rather than it being in charge of me, and that is a much more satisfactory arrangement to my thinking

 

[Timj219]

I was tested once 15 years ago when my employer switched insurancence carrier. I did not realize I'd be tested and had smoked a couple cigars the previous weekend. The test I think was on a Thursday and they didn't dispute my nonsmoker claim so I guess the test didn't pick up anything.
I am a mostly weekends only pipe/cigar smoker so somebody who pipes d a ily might have a different experience.

 

[Peifemeschder]

Sorry to hear hopefully you get a job soon.

 

[McWiggins]

Fingers crossed for a better tomorrow.

 

[Ozark Wizard]

That's unfortunate. Best wishes for your future!

 

[BlueMaxx]

nicotine test

Dang, that is straight up Orwellian..

 

[headrott]

I am sorry you got laid off. I hope you find a great job you enjoy.

I am also sorry we won’t see you until the summertime. You will be missed, but we understand why you are doing it. Take care of yourself. Here is to a better tomorrow.👍

 

[Thepipehunter]

Best of luck!

 

[CharringLight]

Best of luck on the job search. I'm in the same boat. Don't be a stranger. Pop in every once in awhile so we know that you're okay.

 

[PKT]

Well, got laid off on Monday, so I've begun my nicotine detox in anticipation of dealing with a new health insurance company when I lose my current one (roughly 5 months from now if I don't get a new gig sooner).

I have been pleasantly surprised to have no withdrawal of any kind, confirming my belief that cigars/pipes/snuff are way less addictive than cigs....

That said, I'll hang out much less -- temptations and all. See you in the summer!

Good luck. Look forward to hearing from you

 

[CrazyIvan779]

Very sorry for the job loss. Wishing you the best of luck in your search!

 

[Russ H.]

I too am sorry for your job loss. Hoping something comes your way soon. As to nicotine testing luckily I don't have that worry where I work(yet). I too am totally against these practices, and find it unacceptable. Good luck with the detox.

 

[TidalWave]

Thanks for all the well wishes everyone! I've got a pretty good network built up of contacts at other companies, I'm talking to several now. I'm *so* close to being able to retire...

Regarding the testing, I've only had one company that actually did a test, but every time I've switched one of the questions is "Do you use tobacco products?" Since they are unable to differentiate a cigar or pipe from cigarettes, I want to be able to check that box without lying. If I say I don't, and then it turns out they *do* test, and I came back positive, that could result in complete denial of coverage, not just raised rates.

 

[Rybones]

Wishing you a quick turnaround on the employment situation. Sounds like you have a good plan.