WEDNESDAY, Sept. 15 (HealthDay News) — Proven smoking cessation treatments save money as well as lives, according to a new study.
Pennsylvania State University researchers calculated that for every dollar spent on helping smokers quit, states would see a $1.26 return in reduced medical costs, increased productivity and reduced absenteeism in the workplace, and fewer premature deaths due to smoking.
For their nationwide cost-benefit analysis, the researchers compared the costs to society of smoking with the economic benefits of states providing coverage for people who want to quit smoking.
The findings provide states with compelling economic reasons why they should help smokers kick the habit, the American Lung Association explained in the study released Wednesday.
Pfizer, Inc., the maker of the smoking cessation aid Chantix, provided funding for the research.
More information
The American Cancer Society offers a guide to quitting smoking.