Coverage of smoking cessation treatment by union health and welfare funds

Objectives. This study determined the level of insurance coverage for smoking cessation treatment and factors associated with coverage among health and welfare funds affiliated with a large labor union. Methods. A self-administered written survey was mailed to fund and union officials. Analyses were conducted by chi (2) tests. Results. Twenty-nine percent of funds provided coverage for some type of smoking cessation treatment,with the odds of coverage significantly increased among funds whose administrators reported having received members' requests for smoking cessation treatment in the past year (odds ratio = 4.9, P = .05). Conclusions. Coverage for smoking cessation services is low, comparable to coverage offered by other health insurers. Interventions with union members and fund officials are needed to provide union members with access to affordable and effective smoking cessation treatments.