Success due to implementation of best practices in stop smoking strategies
EAGAN, Minn., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota (Blue Cross) reports it achieved an all-time high, 12-month stop
smoking rate of 35.5 percent in 2007; meaning at least one in three members
who enrolled in Blue Cross' stop smoking program -- 1,714 individuals -- was
still not smoking 12 months after starting the program. The new quit rate
represents a twenty-one percent increase (six percentage points) over the 2006
rate of 29.3 percent. The 35.5 percent quit rate is also more than seven times
higher than the overall national quit rate of less than 4.7 percent. The
national quit rate includes all smokers who quit by any means in a year,
including program participation, medications, or with no assistance.
Blue Cross' stop-smoking program consistently yields meaningful results
both for program participants and their employers. "The success of this
program comes from significant improvements we've made and from the Freedom to
Breathe Act," said Dr. Marc Manley, vice president and medical director for
population health at Blue Cross. "Now that smoking isn't allowed in
restaurants and bars, it's a little easier for smokers to quit."
In May 2007 Blue Cross rolled-out its enhanced stop-smoking program where,
in addition to the phone and web-based coaching, employers cover the cost of
quit medications for their employees and their dependents who are 18 or older.
The best opportunity for success is achieved when the comprehensive approach
of tailored coaching linked to no-cost quit medications (for example the
nicotine patch, gum, and lozenge) is combined with supportive environments in
the community, at home and at the workplace. Blue Cross also offers workplace
health improvement planning support to employers who wish to implement a
tobacco-free worksite policy covering buildings and grounds.
"As we recognize 'Kick Butts Day' and the six-month anniversary of
Minnesota's Freedom to Breathe Act this week, it's important that Minnesotan's
know help is available for those who want to quit and this help improves their
chances of success," added Manley. "Everyone in the state has access to FREE
phone-based quit smoking services either through their insurance plan or
through QUITPLAN(R) Services which serves uninsured and underinsured
individuals."
It's important to help smokers who want to quit since tobacco use is the
leading cause of preventable heart disease and some cancers. It's also costly.
Blue Cross estimates an average five-year health care cost savings of $5,335
for each fewer adult nonsmoker in the Blue Cross member population.
Call 1-888-662-BLUE (2583) to enroll in Blue Cross' stop-smoking program.
Individuals without health care coverage or who may be underinsured can call
QUITPLAN(R) Services at 1-888-354-PLAN (7526).
For more information on Blue Cross' stop smoking and tobacco reduction
efforts visit http://www.bluecrossmn.com/preventionminnesota.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul
suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's first health plan and
continues to carry out its charter mission today: to promote a wider, more
economical and timely availability of health services for the people of
Minnesota. A nonprofit, taxable organization, Blue Cross is the largest health
plan based in Minnesota, covering 2.9 million members in Minnesota and
nationally through its health plans or plans administered by its affiliated
companies. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee
of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago. Go to
http://www.bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Minnesota.
SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Karen Lyons, +1-651-662-1415, or Pamela Lux, +1-651-662-3959, both of Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
