Insurance costs pressure smokers

The idea of making cigarette smokers pay extra for their health insurance is catching on with employers and spurring debates about worker freedom, but one key question remains in doubt: Do such incentives really work to reduce smoking? So far the answer appears to be yes, say health insurers and companies that have tried the tactic.

Most such programs charge smokers $20 to $100 extra for health insurance each month, but drop the fee for anyone who enters a smoking cessation program. That economic lure tends to double enrollment in cessation programs, said Sean Bell, a senior vice president at Free & Clear, a Seattle-based company that designs tobacco treatment plans. "If people enroll in the program, they're more likely to quit than if they do nothing," Bell said.

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