|
Research shows that healthcare utilization among smoking employees continues to rise over time. Within 2½ to 3 years, healthcare costs in ex-smokers are significantly lower than costs among employees who do not quit smoking. Productivity research shows that smokers take longer and more frequent work breaks than nonsmokers.
Smoke-Free Policy: When no smoking is allowed at the worksite, employees who smoke have been found to increase cessation attempts, ultimately achieving higher success with quitting. Since over 75% of Maine smokers say they want to quit [2003-04 Adult Tobacco Survey, Bureau of Health], it turns out the majority of smoking employees prefer a tobacco-free worksite. A smoke-free environment also can reduce cleaning costs.
Helping Smokers Quit: More than half of all Maine smokers have a serious attempt at quitting each year. Without treatment or assistance with quitting, over 90% are still smoking one year later. Quitting smoking can be difficult. Nicotine withdrawal, which can last a month or longer, leads many to relapse after short-term success. Employers wanting to maximize smoker success with quit attempts should ensure evidence-based treatments are available. Barrier-free access to behavioral counseling and tobacco medications play a critical role in helping smokers quit.
Insurance Coverage for Treatment: The Institute of Medicine identified the treatment of tobacco use by adults as 1 of 20 top priorities for healthcare. This recommendation stems from rigorous research identifying therapies that are effective in increasing success at quitting. Proven treatment includes behavioral counseling (individual, group or telephonic), nicotine therapy and bupropion. In 2005, even the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began offering benefits for tobacco counseling.
Additional Information:
The Business Case for Tobacco Treatment
The Business Case for Tobacco Treatment: Commonwealth Fund Report
Why Coverage for Tobacco Treatment is Important
Employer's Smoking Cessation Guide: Practical Approaches
Make it Your Business: Actuarial Fact Sheet Comparisons
| 
