Tobacco Cessation: More than just a class!

One significant way many employers can help improve their employee’s health is by helping them quit the use of tobacco and nicotine products. Not only will this increase their productivity, reduce non-productive time during the day and lower health-care costs, it will also help them feel their best and live a happier, healthier life outside of work! Tobacco cessation programs are a great way to offer assistance to employees and help support them as they overcome their addiction to tobacco and nicotine.

Many tobacco cessation programs include group classes, support groups or counselling, in combination with information about treatment and medication options. Many employers offer online classes or digital content as a simple and inexpensive tobacco cessation program. Although this option allows employers to “check the box” on offering a tobacco cessation program for employees, there is still more that they could be doing.

Research shows that individuals are more likely to quit the use of tobacco or nicotine when they have a combination of nicotine replacement theory, medication, and behavioral intervention (such as classes, coaching, and information alone) (1). Because of this, one thing that employers should consider when designing their program is offering Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to their employees at no cost. Through Well365’s tobacco cessation program, a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (CTTS) will work with individuals and help get them started to quitting using a NRT. Well365 will then work with the employer to ensure that the individual gets the NRT that they need. Through individualized coaching, Well365’s CTTS will follow up with the individual to confirm compliance and make any adjustments that may be needed.

Another way that employers can help employees quit is by covering the cost of all tobacco cessation medication. While Well365 cannot offer pharmacotherapy, such as Chantix or Wellbutrin, employers who have input on what their health insurance plan covers can make sure their plan covers the cost of all tobacco cessation pharmaceutical drugs at 100%. If an employer cannot change their coverage or employees have High Deductible plans, they can also offer 100% reimbursement to tobacco cessation pharmaceuticals. This allows our CTTS to assist them in obtaining the correct prescription, free of charge to the employee.

As an employer, consider taking their tobacco cessation program to the next level. Be proactive and help make the healthy choice, the easy choice for your employees.

Resources:

  1. https://www.physiciansbriefing.com/internal-medicine-21/smoking-cessation-news-628/uspstf-advises-pharmacotherapy-to-aid-smoking-cessation-758069.html