Insurers’ Participation Keeps Valuable
Smoking Cessation Service Alive
DENVER – Thanks to the participation of many of the
largest health insurers in the state, reductions to the Colorado Quiline
tobacco cessation service have been minimized. Due to Colorado’s budget
challenges, the capacity for the Colorado QuitLine to provide tobacco
cessation services to approximately 4,000 callers per month has been
reduced by more than 40 percent.
Many of the state’s health insurers, acknowledging the success of the
program, have stepped forward to cover the costs of their covered
population for use of the Colorado Quitline. This decision is consistent
with legislation passed last year that requires insurers to provide
proven, effective preventive services including tobacco cessation
assistance.
Health insurers have other tobacco cessation alternatives, but most have
enrolled with Colorado QuitLine because of the program’s proven
effectiveness in helping smokers quit, and because members recognize and
use the service.
“We’re thrilled that the majority of Colorado’s health insurers
responded quickly to help maintain services that can effectively prevent
disease, save lives and reduce health care costs,” said Ned Calonge,
chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment. “QuitLine’s evidence-based program is more cost effective
than other programs. We think it’s a win-win for the insurers and all
Coloradans.”
All Colorado health insurers were offered the Colorado QuitLine option
to comply with the new legislative mandate, H.B.1204, by the Tobacco
Sustainability and Cessation Partnership, a stakeholder group convened
by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Colorado QuitLine utilization data indicate that approximately 30
percent of callers have private health insurance coverage. To date,
Aetna, Cigna, Colorado Access, Denver Health Medical Plan, Humana,
Kaiser Permanente and Rocky Mountain Health Plans have agreed to cover
costs for Colorado QuitLine services for their members. The Tobacco
Sustainability and Cessation Partnership has been encouraging other
insurers to cover Colorado QuitLine services for their members to offset
some of the QuitLine budget reduction.
Over the past several months, Colorado physicians have been part of the
partnership’s efforts to ensure the most effective tobacco cessation
services are part of Colorado health plans. Dr. Mark Laitos, president
of the Colorado Medical Society said, “Colorado physicians are pleased
so many insurers recognize that Colorado QuitLine supports a streamlined
process that has successfully facilitated physicians’ efforts to help
their patients quit tobacco.”
Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature, preventable deaths in the
United States and the single greatest driver of health care costs. About
4,300 Coloradans die every year from tobacco-related illnesses. Smoking
leads to severe health problems, including cancer, heart disease and
strokes.
Recent research shows secondhand smoke can have immediate adverse
effects on the cardiovascular system and even brief exposure can trigger
heart attacks. These health problems increase health care costs
substantially. Paying for tobacco cessation treatment provides more
return on investment than other adult treatment or prevention
investment.
As people across Colorado support quitting tobacco during the Great
American Smokeout on Nov. 19, the State Tobacco Education & Prevention
Partnership encourages people who smoke to take the first step in
quitting by making a commitment to quit for the day.
People needing additional support to quit can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, the
no-cost telephone coaching service that offers a free supply of the
nicotine patch. The Colorado QuitLine is operated by the National Jewish
Health under contract to the State Tobacco Education & Prevention
Partnership. QuitLine coaches are available Monday through Friday, 7
a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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State of Colorado,
Department
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