Although all Minnesota workplaces are smoke-free, not all employers offer coverage of smoking cessation benefits to their employees. How can we work with employers to ensure that workers have access to comprehensive smoking cessation services?

Cancer Plan Minnesota Objective 1:  Reduce the use of tobacco.

Strategy:  Challenge and engage all insurers, employers, and purchasers to include evidence based tobacco dependence treatment (counseling and pharmacotherapy) as part of their basic health benefits package.

Primary Aim: To engage and enlist additional people and resources in expanding employee benefits for tobacco cessation.

Desired Outcomes: 

·         Identification of assets/resources

·         Commitment of individuals to become or identify key champions in the work place to implement or enhance tobacco cessation benefits packages.

Facilitator: Darla Havlicek – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Presenter: Ann Wendling – ClearWay Minnesota

Pre-Work:  Using session pre-registration information, ask participants to find out: 
1) What is your worksite’s tobacco-free policy?  2) What is your employee tobacco cessation benefit?