Audience: Staff and leadership working within health plans and/or non-traditional tobacco control organizations; individuals seeking to work with or understand those partners.

Key Points: Through Prevention Minnesota, funded by the settlement from BCBSMN's historic lawsuit against the tobacco companies, BCBSMN invests millions annually in a comprehensive state-wide tobacco control program. Dr. Manley will describe how BCBSMN has adapted comprehensive program guidelines to a health plan environment.

Following an aggressive investment in tobacco reduction, the BCBSMN member smoking rate dropped significantly, resulting in measurable cost savings.

BCBSMN led Minnesota's successful 2005-2006 campaign to increase the price of tobacco by $0.75. As a business leader advocating for public health, BCBSMN was a new voice at the Legislature. We courted non-traditional partners and led allies to a successful outcome despite a “no new taxes” environment.

Learning Objectives: Learn more about the range of efforts health plans can undertake to influence not only member health but state and local policy. Understand the tobacco-related components of Prevention Minnesota.

Benefits: Tobacco control advocates will benefit by hearing this behind-the-scenes look at how and why a private business is investing in statewide tobacco control. Attendees will better understand what is possible with and from their private-sector partners.