Employment · Under Investigation

Verizon Employees Who Smoke — Tobacco Surcharge Investigation

Updated October 15, 2025

Current and former Verizon employees who paid a tobacco or wellness surcharge on their health insurance between 2020 and 2025 may qualify for a free case review.

Verizon employee smoker surcharge investigation

About This Verizon Investigation

You may be eligible for compensation. Attorneys are reviewing whether Verizon improperly charged smoking or vaping employees extra health insurance fees called tobacco or wellness surcharges. If you work at Verizon or worked there between 2020 and 2025 and you paid a tobacco surcharge, you may have a claim. Some plans also apply vaccine or other wellness related surcharges.




Status Open Investigation open for submissions — attorneys are reviewing Verizon surcharges
Coverage Period 2020 – 2025
Estimated Payout Varies depends on the facts and your documentation
Proof Required Yes pay stubs, benefits summaries, or enrollment confirmations help

How Do I Qualify

The lookback focuses on 2020 through 2025. You may qualify if:




What Is a Tobacco or Wellness Surcharge

A tobacco or wellness surcharge is an added fee some employers charge workers who smoke, vape, or do not complete wellness requirements. These fees are often between $50 and $100 per month and are added to premium costs.



What Proof Can Strengthen Your Case

Helpful items include:


You can still submit even if you do not have all of these documents.



Can You Still Qualify If You Quit Smoking or Vaping

Yes. If you paid surcharges between 2020 and 2025 while at Verizon you may qualify even if you have since quit.





Other Verizon Class Actions and Investigations

More Verizon related cases covered on OpenClassActions:



For more open class actions keep scrolling below.
Company Verizon
Coverage Period 2020 – 2025
Who May Qualify Current or former Verizon employees who smoked or vaped enrolled in employer health insurance and paid a tobacco or wellness surcharge
Cost to Participate No out-of-pocket cost for evaluation
Type Employment · Health-Insurance Surcharge

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