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According to a study released by Blue Cross, $215.7 million is spent each year in Minnesota to treat health conditions caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.  The study is based on the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's report on secondhand smoke, and also on Minnesota-specific data. It provides the first-ever look at the health care costs directly related to secondhand smoke exposure.

The study, Health Care Costs and Secondhand Smoke, was conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in collaboration with Blue Cross.  Access the study and the news release in Related Items on this page.

Smoke-free workplaces and higher tobacco excise tax: two proven strategies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend several strategies to substantially reduce tobacco use across an entire population. Increasing the price of tobacco and enacting comprehensive clean indoor air ordinances are two very effective strategies [1].

That’s why the Center for Prevention staff and other Blue Cross leaders have supported both initiatives. Many other organizations and individuals also work to advance smoke-free workplaces and/or higher tobacco taxes.

Comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinances that include bars and restaurants

Blue Cross is committed to helping Minnesota communities succeed in their efforts to protect workers and other citizens from secondhand smoke.

Minnesota passed the Freedom to Breathe act in 2007. This stemmed from Blue Cross and other health advocates seeking passage of a strong statewide clean indoor air law that protects all Minnesota workers from harmful secondhand smoke.

Tobacco price increase works

Higher tobacco prices can keep many kids from starting to smoke. Since one third of kids who start smoking eventually die from smoking-related conditions, this tax can make a huge difference. Higher tobacco prices also help some people quit [2].

The Minnesota state legislature enacted a $0.75 per pack price increase which took effect August 1, 2005. This price increase was termed a 'health impact fee' by Governor Pawlenty.

The price hike had an immediate impact. Minnesotans seeking to quit smoking called smoking cessation quit lines in significantly greater numbers during the first two weeks of August 2005. Blue Cross continues to support efforts to further increase the cost of tobacco.

Prevention and physical activity: other policy priorities

Promoting the power of prevention

Prevention saves lives, saves money, and improves health. It’s a no-brainer. So why is it such a tough sell? Because the approach costs some money now, but the big payoff comes later.

Blue Cross is committed to prevention as an essential strategy to save lives, save money, and improve health. 

Community design to promote physical activity

Blue Cross cares about promoting physical activity because people who aren’t active are at much greater risk for heart disease. Regular physical activity also helps people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Community design or redesign as a public health policy is a relatively new idea, but the Center sees potential for impact. Several studies link access to trails or even sidewalks with increased levels of physical activity.

Blue Cross acts as both an advocate and a funder of efforts to "design in" physical activity at the community and regional levels.

Endnotes

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs—August 1999. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, August 1999. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/bestprac.htm
2. Annotated synopsis of relevant peer-reviewed research compiled by Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids: Raising cigarette taxes reduces smoking, especially among kids (and the cigarette companies know it).  Available online at http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/