Take Action to Remove Barriers to Helping Smokers Quit

Tobacco use is a top preventable cause of death in the U.S. Most smokers say they want to quit - yet only 5 percent are successful. Often the high-cost of routine assessment and effective treatments acts as a barrier for a smoker who is serious about quitting for good. Senate Bill 673 lowers this barrier by requiring that up to $500.00 annually in smoking cessation programs be covered by private insurance. The coverage can, in turn, lower the overall smoking-related healthcare costs, which cost Illinois taxpayers billions of dollars. (Here is the link for more information on SB 673)

Please take a moment to contact your representative:
Ask your Representative to Help Smokers Quit by supporting SB 673!

Tobacco cessation programs have proved to be both clinically effective and cost effective. Positive outcomes from tobacco cessation programs can be considered a return on investment for smoking cessation with overall money saved as a result of taking on this prevention intervention.

SB 673 would mandate a health plan to offer a maximum of $500 in coverage annually for a tobacco use cessation program for an enrollee who is 18 years of age or older. The following therapies would be covered:

• Behavior modification support such as counseling, support groups, monitoring and education
  
• Over-the-counter and prescription nicotine replacement treatments and other aids approved by the FDA for smoking cessation
  
• Pharmacological medications
  

Ask your Representative to Remove Barriers to Helping Smokers Quit and support SB 673

Thank you for continuing to support our advocacy efforts!