Smoking Cessation

Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in the United States today. The direct medical costs associated with smoking are more than $50 billion per year. That's about seven percent of the national total cost of health care. Quitting smoking can be one of the single most important decisions a person makes for his or her health. Employers who help their employees break the habit may see long-term benefits with less sick days, medical claims and health care costs. We have two programs to choose from.

Quit for LifeTM

BlueCross has partnered with Free & Clear® to offer your employees one of the most successful tobacco treatment programs. On behalf of BlueCross, Free & Clear administers the Quit for LifeTM program. Free & Clear is an independent company that offers smoking cessation programs. The Quit for Life program is an award-winning, science-based program that gives your employees personalized, professional support every step of the way. This program is effective with all types of tobacco users — cigarette, pipe, cigar and smokeless tobacco.

How It Works

Quit Coaches who are trained tobacco treatment specialists help your employees prepare to quit. Preparation includes learning what to expect both physically and emotionally, planning for stressful situations and potential triggers, and practicing techniques that will help them quit. The Quit for Life program helps your employees develop a plan to quit their way. The Quit Coach will find out what has worked for them in the past and what hasn't. Then, together, a personalized plan will be created that includes:

  • One-on-one phone-based sessions scheduled at your employees' convenience.
  • Unlimited toll-free telephone access to our specialists for the duration of the program.
  • Recommendations for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like the patch, gum or lozenges.
  • Delivery of NRT directly to your employees' homes at no cost to them, if they choose to use it.
  • A Quit Kit of materials designed to help your employees between sessions with their Quit Coaches.
  • Access to Web Coach, an online resource offering a suite of interactive features, evidence-based content, and social forums.
  • Hundreds of thousands of people have quit using tobacco thanks to this program.

Smoking Cessation

When you offer Smoking Cessation to your employees, you'll help them with kicking the habit. Participation is voluntary and confidential.

When they enroll, your employees receive a tool kit featuring a book entitled 7 Steps to a Smoke-Free Life, a booklet including tips and relaxation techniques, a tracking log, gum and a stress relief item. They also receive two health-counseling calls for goal setting and follow-up. The program can help your employees:

  • Understand why quitting is important.
  • Learn how quitting can improve their health.
  • Decide their personal reasons for quitting.
  • Learn ways to quit without going "cold turkey."
  • Get support from their partner, family and friends.
  • Keep their emotions balanced.
  • Avoid temptation to smoke.
  • Break the habits that go with smoking.
  • Conquer the nicotine addiction.

For more information, please contact your benefits consultant or your BlueCross marketing representative today!