Cracker Barrel Latest Employer Sued Over Health Plan Smoker Fee

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. was hit with a proposed class action challenging the company’s practice of charging workers who use tobacco products extra fees on their health insurance coverage.

Charles Fritsch alleges Cracker Barrel charges higher premiums based on tobacco use without providing a reasonable alternative standard or proper notice as required for wellness programs under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and its regulation. The lawsuit was filed Friday in the US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Cracker Barrel employees and their dependents who participate in the company’s health plan and “use tobacco products ...