CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Back in 2000, it was a program that put West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency ahead of the pack. The idea of making smokers pay more for their benefits hasn't always been liked, but it has worked.

The fee started as $5 to $10 extra for workers who smoked. That cost has grown over the years. In July, the premium went up to $30 for single coverage and $50 for a family insurance plan.

"I do pay because I'm honest and I don't mind paying the extra money to smoke," said Maurice Washington.

Washington works for the Department of Highways. He says he worries that the rate hike may lead some smokers to lie to get a break.

"In this economy, if you can save a buck and get away with it I'm sure there are," Washington said.

For Department of Health and Human Resources employee Sterling Bare, cheating the system isn't worth it.

"I don't think it's worth the risk of being hospitalized and getting a major bill and then a review of the tests reveal I did in fact smoke, and the opportunity for them to disallow the claim," Sterling said.

PEIA does have the right to review medical records if they suspect that someone is lying about being a non-smoker.

More than 97,000 employees signed an affidavit this year claiming they are non-smokers. That number is up 4,000 people from last year. Nidia Henderson, PEIA Wellness Director , says that about 800 of them are people who have been with the plan who have decided to quit smoking.

"I think what's happening is there is a cultural change because of the clean indoor air act because of increasing taxes on tobacco products," Henderson said. "The reason our finance director's raised the rates was for their health. The health of the plan is dependent on the health of the members."

Along with keeping smokers on track, PEIA is offering a new incentive for all its members. The "Improve Your Score" program offers cash back rewards for people who have a clean bill of health during a workplace health screening.