Reasonable Alternative Standard

TO: ALL EMPLOYEES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE TOBACCO-FREE INCENTIVE PLAN FOR THE 2025 MEDICAL INSURANCE PLAN YEAR 

Dear Employee:

Effective January 1st of this year, your employee contribution for insurance includes a tobacco surcharge as you either indicated you are a tobacco-user or you did not satisfied all the requirements for the Tobacco-Free Incentive Plan. Your Tobacco status was obtained through your attestation through the online open enrollment portal in November or via a paper Tobacco Surcharge form completed during open enrollment or the new hire process.  

Because you answered that you are a tobacco user, or did not complete the requirements to attest otherwise, you are not eligible for the Tobacco-Free Incentive Plan for the 2025 plan year. These policies are outlined in the Tobacco-Free Incentive Plan Form required of all employees upon hire as well as during the annual open enrollment. Not qualifying for the Tobacco-Free Incentive adds $150 to your monthly employee contributions.

If you are interested in participating in the Reasonable Alternative Standard (RAS) for 2025, program instructions are below. The optional RAS must be completed by October 1st, and all required documentation submitted to HR by that deadline, in order to retroactively qualify for the 2025 Tobacco-Free Incentive Plan.

Coaching Option: (Meridian will pay for the cost of this option)

1. Contact Integrated Health 21 (formerly named Healics) to schedule an appointment with a health coach at 1-800-451-6889.  Follow the prompts to contact Customer Service. Identify yourself as an employee of Meridian Industries, Inc. and explain that you would like to schedule a nicotine cessation coaching call.   Customer Service is available from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm Central Time Monday through Friday.

2. Two coaching sessions are required to complete the RAS.  Coaching sessions are typically scheduled no less than four weeks apart.

3. It is your responsibility to schedule and complete your coaching sessions by the deadline.  Upon completion of your final session, notify Human Resources (HR).   HR will verify coaching completion with Integrated Health 21 and notify you of final approval.

Doctors Certification Option: (You must pay for the cost of this option)

1. Meet with your doctor/physician and obtain test results or a certification from your physician proving your nicotine free status. 

2. Provide your test results or doctors certification to HR. Have your supervisor scan the document to DOCS4HR, or email to benefits@kleentest.com.

Feel free to contact your Human Resources department with any questions or concerns. HR can be contacted via email at HR@kleentest.com or by leaving a voicemail at 262-284-6600 extension 6010.

Sincerely,

Kleen Test Products

MERIDIAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

Meridian is committed to helping you achieve your best health. Rewards for participating in a wellness program and for being nicotine free are available to all employees. If you are unable to certify that you are tobacco-free, you might qualify for an opportunity to earn the same reward by different means. Contact Human Resources and we will work with you (and, if you wish, with your doctor) to find a wellness program with the same reward that is right for you in light of your health status.