Tobacco Cessation - Employees
One thing we know for sure – quitting “cold turkey” is not effective for most. Those who accept help are much more likely to quit for good. Using the methods below can double or triple your chances of being successful! No single quit smoking method is right for everyone. Learn more about quit smoking methods to decide which ones really work and what might be right for you at SmokeFree.gov.
1) Use your health insurance to find out your lowest cost options:
Call the number on the back of your health insurance card to find out what your individual plan offers. You can ask: “Tell me what coverage I have for tobacco use treatment such as counseling and medications.” Another idea – talk to your physician or healthcare provider about options.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that all preventative services, including FDA approved tobacco treatment medications and all forms of counseling (individual, group, and phone), are covered and free to the consumer. If your insurance provider does not offer these services, ask: “Do you know when these services will be covered for me, in compliance with the ACA requirements?” Services will vary by health plan.
See what is covered in Minnesota for all State Employees Group Insurance programs here on Tobacco Dependence Treatment Coverage in Minnesota.
Tobacco Dependence Treatment Coverage in Minnesota (PDF)
2) Access the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for Work/Life Counseling
- The Minnesota state EAP is a confidential resource for employees and their family members who need help addressing personal concerns. EAP provides a free and confidential resource available 24/7. It is the goal to help you, and those in your immediate household, obtain assistance before a minor concern becomes a major problem. Nearly any concern can be addressed through Deer Oaks, our new EAP proider, and there is no charge for using this benefit. You can remain anonymous when you call. See more information about Work/Life counseling through our EAP.
- Through our EAP, you can access personal coaching. Meet with a life coach six times a year to develop a plan to achieve your personal or professional goals. Talk to a counselor anytime 1-800-657-3719 or 651-259-3840.
- Have a question? For less urgent requests email to eap@deeroaks.com
- On our EAP website, you can skip the google search and browse an online library of resources: deeroakseap.com Username andpassword: stmn1
3) Advantage Plan
Through the Advantage Plan you have access to up to three months of medications per calendar year to help you quit smoking. The covered medications include generic Chantix and Zyban, as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapies including gum, lozenge, patch, inhaler, and nasal mist. To start this benefit, visit your doctor for a prescription.
You can use your pre-tax account to purchase over-the-counter Nicotine Replacement Therapies if you have a prescription. If you, or someone you love, are not Advantage Plan members hope is not lost. QuitPartner is there for all Minnesotans…
4) QuitPartner
In addition to support offered through health insurers, Quit Partner is a family of programs created to help Minnesota residents quit commercial tobacco. We offer free services to Minnesota residents who use any form of commercial tobacco, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vapes, and chew. Visit QuitPartnerMN.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or 1-855-DEJELO-YA (335-3569) anytime to enroll. If an individual prefers to use the national Asian Smokers’ Quitline, available in Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese, they will be transferred. National Jewish Health uses LanguageLine Solutions, which connects Quit Partner coaches and enrollees with an interpreter through three-way phone calls. LanguageLine provides interpretation for over 200 languages, including Hmong.
- Helpful Tools - Quit your way by choosing which free tools you'd like to try.
- Free medications like patches, gum or lozenges.
- Text messages with tips and advice.
- Helpful emails to support you along the way.
- Quit Coaching - Get free one-on-one quit coaching over the phone or online from trained coaches who help people just like you every day.
- Quit Partner also has specialized programs for people living with behavioral health conditions such as, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia, and/or substance use disorder substance use disorders, American Indian communities, pregnant and post-partum women, and youth ages 13–17.
5) Explore All Quit Methods
No single quit smoking method is right for everyone. Learn more about quit smoking methods to decide which ones might be right for you. Some quit smoking methods have been shown to be more effective than others Some quit smoking methods are free, while others have a small or even large cost. Some quit smoking methods have side effects. Explore quit methods here:
