Mar 3, 2015: Starkville Daily News: Smokers face future insurance surcharge
With a new tobacco surcharge in place for university personnel covered by the health insurance plan at Mississippi State University, there is added incentive for giving up tobacco products once and for all.
“Actually this applies to all state agencies including the eight universities, all public school districts, public libraries and community colleges,” said Richard Self, state insurance administrator for the Mississippi Department of Finance & Administration.
With a new tobacco surcharge in place for university personnel covered by the health insurance plan at Mississippi State University, there is added incentive for giving up tobacco products once and for all.
“Actually this applies to all state agencies including the eight universities, all public school districts, public libraries and community colleges,” said Richard Self, state insurance administrator for the Mississippi Department of Finance & Administration.
Jan 30, 2015: Hattiesburg American: Bill would block fee on tobacco-using state employees
The plan covers 186,000 people. The total includes 46,000 spouses and children who won’t face the fee. State Insurance Administrator Richard Self said there aren’t any firm figures on how many covered employees smoke or otherwise use tobacco. Surveys by the state Department of Health find about 25 percent of Mississippi adults smoke.
The plan covers 186,000 people. The total includes 46,000 spouses and children who won’t face the fee. State Insurance Administrator Richard Self said there aren’t any firm figures on how many covered employees smoke or otherwise use tobacco. Surveys by the state Department of Health find about 25 percent of Mississippi adults smoke.
Richard Self serves as the State Insurance Administrator and the Director of the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration’s Office of Insurance. In this capacity, Richard manages the operations of the State and School Employees’ Life and Health Insurance Plan and the State Agencies Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Trust. As liaison to the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board, Richard is responsible for the day to day administration of this vital employee benefit program impacting nearly 200,000 covered lives. He also serves as the Administrator for the State Agencies Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Trust, providing workers’ compensation coverage for the 100 member pool of Mississippi agencies. A former auditor, Richard has worked in various management and accounting positions during his 30+ years in State government. He currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer for the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Educational Association and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi.