Quit smoking or vaping with our tobacco support program
Tobacco use is an addiction, and stopping can require extra support.
About this program
Get started with our support program
If you're a Blue Cross member, our quitting tobacco and vaping support program can help you take the first step to becoming nicotine-free.
Here’s what you’ll receive:
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An initial call to talk about your history of nicotine use and your efforts to quit
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Four additional calls with a wellness coach at times that work for you
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A personal quit plan
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A workbook sent to your home with tips to help you stick with the plan and deal with stress and cravings
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Two additional calls to support you after you complete the program (30- and 90-day follow-ups)
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Online tools and resources for support and to track your progress between calls
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Recommendations for quit aids (patch, gum or lozenge) if you're interested
How we help
What is Blue Cross doing to help people quit using tobacco?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is co-chair of Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, a coalition of more than 60 organizations that share a common goal of reducing youth smoking and ending tobacco’s harm for good. This statewide coalition advocates for comprehensive steps to stem youth tobacco addiction, including Tobacco 21, prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), investing in youth prevention and increasing tobacco prices.
Blue Cross has led ongoing efforts to reduce tobacco use. Here are a few significant accomplishments:
Freedom to Breathe
Worked to pass Minnesota’s Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007
The tobacco tax
Helped pass a significant increase to the tobacco tax in 2013
Funding for policy changes
Launched a funding initiative to support local policy changes in communities where tobacco use is higher
Call it Quits
Serves as a member of the Call it Quits collaborative, a partnership of organizations providing services to quit tobacco use in Minnesota
What's the big deal about vaping?
Vaping is short for vaporizing. An e-cigarette heats liquid to provide an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. Aside from nicotine, which is highly addictive, the vape liquid may also contain other harmful substances like:
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead
- Ultrafine particles
- Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung disease
Vaping's toll on our health
There have been 1,604 vaping-related lung injury cases to date, and a number of them resulting in fatalities. The specific cause has not been determined. Until it is, the only safe bet is to avoid all vaping products.
Take action
Quitting tobacco and vaping support line
Take the first step to becoming tobacco and nicotine/vape free.
Support is available for members age 13 and up.
For most Blue Cross members
Call toll-free 1-888-662-BLUE (2583)
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT, Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
For Blue Advantage Families and Children, MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Senior Care Plus and SecureBlue members:
Call 1-855-552-2583, TTY 711.
If you’re not a member:
You can receive support with quitting through the quit-line in your state, if one is available.
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Other benefits you may be interested in
Learn to Live
Learn to Live is an online cognitive behavioral therapy program for people concerned about substance use, stress, insomnia, depression, social anxiety, panic or resilience
Wellness Coach
Some Blue Cross health plans offer ongoing wellness coaching to help you set health goals and learn how to reach them. Your coach will also offer support and encouragement to keep you on the road to better health.
Quitting tobacco support services are offered without charge to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus members. Quit medications are subject to health plan coverage.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens and Young Adults, March 11, 2019.
CDC, Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping, Products, October 24, 2019.
CDC, “Notes from the Field: Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Any Tobacco Product Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2011–2018,” November 16, 2018.