Impacts of a smoking cessation benefit among employed populations

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to project the health and economic impacts of providing a workplace smoking cessation benefit. METHODS: The authors conducted an update of a previously published outcomes model using recently published data and clinical trial results. RESULTS: In four example workplace types evaluated, coverage of a cessation benefit resulted in greater numbers of successful cessations and decreased rates of smoking-related diseases. Total savings from benefit coverage (decreased healthcare and workplace costs) exceeded costs of the benefit within 4 years. Total savings per smoker ranged from $350 to $582 at 10 years and $1152 to $1743 at 20 years. Internal rate of return ranged from 39% to 60% at 10 years. CONCLUSION: Providing a workplace smoking cessation benefit results in substantial health and economic benefits with economic savings exceeding the cost of the benefit within a relatively short period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Providing a workplace smoking cessation benefit is projected to increase the rate of smoking cessation as well as decrease the incidence of smoking-related conditions and healthcare costs. In addition, workplace cessation benefits can result in decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, and net cost savings within 4 years.