Whole Foods Charging Employees Healthcare Surcharges for Smoking or Vaping

Data Breach Class Action Mass Tort Investigation

Photo Credit: Unsplash | Published: March 4, 2025

Claim Form Deadline: Ongoing

Estimated Payout: Varies

Proof required: Yes

Whole Foods Charging Employees Extra Fees for Healthcare

Did Whole Foods charge you extra fees (or "surcharges") for your healthcare or insurance premium? If so, you might be eligible for significant compensation. An investigation is ongoing whether Whole Foods has been charging surcharges on health insurance policies in violation of the law. The types of surcharges companies may have charged you for include:

• Nicotine
• Wellness
• Vaccines
• Other Fees

• Spousal surcharges of around $50-$100 per month have been reported in cases where an employee's spouse has access to coverage through their own employer but chooses to enroll in the employee's plan instead. For example, one employer mentioned implementing a $50 per paycheck surcharge for non-working spouses. Whole Foods may have also been charging employees a similar paycheck surcharge for employees who smoke or vape nicotine.

• Tobacco use surcharges are common, with employers charging smokers higher premiums. Surcharges of $50-$100 per month have been typical.

• Some employers have implemented surcharges of $50-$100 per month for employees who do not complete certain wellness activities, like getting an annual physical.

How Do I Qualify?

The investigation is looking back as far as the last three (3) years. Meaning, if you worked for Whole Foods at any time between 2021 and now and they charged you extra for your healthcare, you may have a claim and may be owed significant compensation.

How Do I Learn More About the Investigation?

If you worked or work at Whole Foods and have been charged extra fees for smoking or vaping, please use any of the links below in order to fill out the form and get started on getting back what's owed to you.