September 2016
The advantages of quitting smoking are well known, but quitting is difficult. If you are thinking of quitting, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has a new benefit to help you. The Plan now offers tobacco cessation benefits, in partnership with CIGNA, to assist you in your effort to stop smoking or using tobacco. This program is available to all eligible members, their spouses, and their children over age 18.
The program includes nicotine replacement, as well as coaching services, and other online tools and resources. Anyone who enrolls in the program will receive an eight-week supply of nicotine patches or 12 weeks of nicotine gum. To enroll, contact CIGNA/CareAllies at 1-866-417-7848.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. The benefits of quitting smoking include reduced risk of cancer, lung disease, stroke, heart disease, eye disease and osteoporosis. Smoking not only harms the smoker, but exposure to secondhand smoke increases health risk to non-smokers as well. Each year, thousands of young children and babies become ill because they live in the home of a smoker. More information about the risks of tobacco and the benefits of quitting are available at www. smokefree.gov.
If you or a member of your family are trying to stop smoking or using tobacco, we encourage you to take advantage of this new benefit. The SHBP sent information regarding this benefit to all participants in a letter dated July 15. If you did not receive the letter, or have any questions about this benefit, please contact the Plan at 1-800-252-4674.
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