Problem/Objective: Insured Quitline callers are often unaware of their health plan benefits related to cessation. A major NYS plan, Independent Health (IH) promoted cessation benefits to 31,500 members. Based on utilization, they determined reaching less than 1% of tobacco users. A partnership was established with IH, the Quitline and the Cessation Center of Western NY such that all smokers with IH that contact the Quitline are offered enhanced cessation services.

Methods: In 2005, the Quitline assisted the Cessation Center in establishing a partnership with IH to assist in promoting their enhanced cessation services to their members via the Quitline. The Quitline also began providing access to demographic data of plan members on a password-protected partnership site.

Results: Prior to the partnership, 126 IH tobacco users utilized cessation benefits. In 2006, 1,251 members enrolled in the program, and 1,171 received coaching through the enhanced services.

Conclusions: NYS health plan members are often unaware of their cessation benefits. Partnerships between health plans, the Quitline and the statewide Cessation Centers offer a promising strategy to inform members of these services and facilitate access.