Tobacco & Working Spouse Surcharges

Tobacco/Nicotine Surcharge

AMSURG encourages healthy choices and provides support for teammates and covered spouses/domestic partners who want to stop using tobacco or nicotine products. If you or your covered spouse/domestic partner have used tobacco or nicotine within the past 90 days, a $150 monthly surcharge ($69.23/per pay period) will be added to your medical premium.

Tobacco and nicotine products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing or smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Only one $150 monthly surcharge applies per medical plan, even if both you and your covered spouse/domestic partner use tobacco or nicotine. Click here to view the complete Tobacco Cessation Policy.

How to avoid or remove the surcharge

Attest that you and your covered spouse/domestic partner have not used tobacco or nicotine products for at least 90 days. Click here to access the Tobacco/Nicotine Affidavit Form.

Tobacco/Nicotine Affidavit Form

Complete the Reasonable Alternative Compliance Program (Tobacco Cessation Course).

Reasonable Alternative Compliance Program

The Tobacco Cessation Program is a telephonic program. To enroll in the course, call the number on the back of your Cigna ID card. Successful completion of the Cigna Tobacco Cessation Program is defined as: Enrolled in the program for at least 30 days
Tobacco/Nicotine free for at least 30 days
Have moderate to high confidence and motivation to remain abstinent from tobacco and/or nicotine products.

A certificate of completion is mailed to the member from Cigna. Email your certificate and affidavit to AskHR@Amsurg.com. After AMSURG receives and approves your documentation, the surcharge will be removed and any applicable amount paid since January 1 of the plan year will be refunded within two pay periods.

Medical waiver

If a medical condition makes it unreasonably difficult for you or your spouse/domestic partner to complete the Tobacco/Nicotine Cessation Policy requirements, AMSURG may waive the surcharge when you submit the completed Physician Wavier Form below to AskHR@Amsurg.com.

Click here to access the Physician Tobacco Alternative Waiver Form

NOTE: A new Physician Waiver Form is required each year.

For more information or to submit documentation, contact the AMSURG Benefits Center at 1-888-305-7027, Option 2.

Working Spouse Surcharge

AMSURG is committed to providing affordable medical coverage for teammates and family members who do not have access to other employer-sponsored coverage.

If your spouse or domestic partner has access to medical coverage through their own employer that meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) minimum requirements, but chooses to enroll in AMSURG medical coverage instead, a $150 non-refundable monthly surcharge will apply.

Working Spouse Surcharge Policy

How do I complete the process?

During your benefits enrollment process, if you elect coverage for a spouse or domestic partner, you will be asked to select the option that pertains to you.

When Does the Working Spouse Surcharge NOT Apply?

Is not employed or is self-employed and does not have access to employer-sponsored medical coverage;
Works part-time and is not eligible for medical coverage through their employer;
Has access to employer coverage that does not meet ACA minimum requirements; or
Also works for AMSURG.

View the complete Working Spouse Surcharge Policy

For more information, visit the AMSURG Tobacco & Working Spouse Surcharge Page. If you need assistance submitting documentation, contact the AMSURG Benefits Center at 1-888-305-7027, Option 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Working Spouse Surcharge?

It is a surcharge for a teammate’s spouse/domestic partner who has access to other medical coverage through another employer but chooses to enroll in AMSURG’s medical plan. The cost is $150 per month.

How do I know if the working spouse surcharge will affect my spouse/domestic partner?

The surcharge affects any teammate’s spouse/domestic partner who has access to other medical coverage through another employer but instead chooses to enroll in AMSURG’s medical plan. This does not apply to a teammate’s spouse/domestic partner who is not currently working or is not eligible to participate in their employer’s medical plan.

How do I show my spouse cannot receive benefits from their employer or doesn’t have an employer to receive benefits from?

You will provide this information during the enrollment process for a new hire, life event or Annual Enrollment. You will see a question related to a spouse when you elect your medical plan.

If my spouse’s/domestic partner’s benefits change, will they be able to enroll in AMSURG’s benefits mid-year?

Yes. If your spouse/domestic partner has changes to their benefits during the year, you will be allowed to add or remove your spouse to/from AMSURG’s benefits. The Working Spouse Surcharge will begin or be removed based on the details of the change to your spouse’s/domestic partner’s benefits coverage.

Do I need to complete the questionnaire if my spouse/domestic partner will not be covered by AMSURG?

No. The questionnaire will only be visible if a spouse/domestic partner is added to the medical benefit in the enrollment website.

What if both my spouse/domestic partner and I work at AMSURG?

The Working Spouse Surcharge only requires working spouses who have access to medical coverage by another employer to pay the surcharge. Families with both spouses working at AMSURG will be unaffected by this surcharge.

If my spouse/domestic partner’s coverage changes during the year can the surcharge be removed?

If your spouse or domestic partner gains or loses access to medical coverage during the year, you may be able to add or remove them from AMSURG coverage, depending on the circumstances.

If the surcharge no longer applies, it will be removed prospectively within one to two pay periods after the AMSURG Benefits Center is contacted. If your spouse or domestic partner becomes eligible for other employer-sponsored coverage but remains enrolled in AMSURG coverage, the surcharge may begin based on the effective date of the change.

Contact

For new hires starting up through November 1, 2026

Businessolver

888.305.7027

For new hires starting on November 2, 2026 or after

Empyrean