The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Increase coverage and tobacco free policies within business. Although 67% of the US population is employed only 25% have coverage for tobacco dependence treatment, and 5% have coverage for both medication and counseling (Mercer 2000).

Methods: Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Washington currently work with business to enhance tobacco control. A Massachusetts Department of Public Health workgroup launched employer projects on smoke free campus polices and a pilot with large corporate occupational health nurses to improve coverage and provide cessation services. Quitworks, which provides telephone counseling to Massachusetts residents, will be offered to participating sites.

The University of Wisconsin, Center for Tobacco Research and Implementation coordinates with the Alliance for Healthcare Quality (a Wisconsin purchasing alliance, consisting of business and ten large state health insurers) to improve coverage for tobacco treatment. This effort has resulted in a marked increase (between 2002 and 2004) in coverage for tobacco treatment. The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line services are integrated into health plans and systems, clinics and worksites across the state (over 500 Fax to Quit sites generate 300 monthly referrals to the Quit Line). The ultimate goal is providing Wisconsin residents with access to affordable cessation medications and counseling.

CDC Office on Smoking and Health will relate additional strategies to facilitate coordination with business.

Results: The panel will discuss results to date of coordinating with business to improve coverage for tobacco dependence treatment, and cessation programming within the worksite. Business participation in supporting tobacco free initiatives will be articulated. Audience participation will be encouraged.