Indianapolis, Indiana – With a significant change coming to tobacco pricing in Indiana, the state is preparing for a surge in people trying to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. On July 1, a $2 increase per pack will raise the average cost of a pack of cigarettes to $11, impacting smokers across the state. This tax hike will also apply to other tobacco products, such as vapes and chewing tobacco. As a result, nearly 40,000 Hoosiers are expected to look for support in their journey to quit. To help individuals and employers during this critical time, the Indiana Chamber’s Wellness Council of Indiana (WCI) is unveiling an enhanced version of its Quit Now Tool, a web-based platform designed to assist tobacco users, non-users, and employers alike.
The updated Quit Now Tool aims to offer an upgraded experience for users in the workplace, providing a variety of new features to enhance tobacco cessation efforts. According to Ashley O’Rourke, Executive Director of WCI, the tool is a timely resource for employers to address the needs of their workforce during a pivotal moment. “It’s a much strengthened playbook designed to help employers act on this unique moment,” she said. “The Quit Now Tool has been completely refreshed with upgraded features and content, streamlined navigation, and clear, tailored messaging to reflect today’s workplace realities.”
Tobacco use remains a prevalent issue, despite growing awareness of its risks. O’Rourke notes that many tobacco users want to quit but find it challenging due to the addictive nature of these products. “Many who use tobacco really want to quit, but it’s an addiction – and a foundation of support is key,” she explained. The enhanced Quit Now Tool aims to provide just that—a support system for employees looking to stop smoking and vaping. The platform offers easy access to proven resources, as well as guidance for building a supportive workplace culture focused on promoting tobacco cessation.
Some of the key improvements to the Quit Now Tool include the introduction of printable course completion certificates, making it easier for individuals to track and celebrate their progress. Additionally, company managers will have streamlined access to monitor employee progress, and the process for inviting employees to join the program has been simplified. The platform has also been updated to ensure accessibility for users with impairments or disabilities, making it more inclusive for a diverse range of individuals.
The Quit Now Tool was originally launched in 2012 as a complementary resource to the 1-800-QUITNOW Tobacco Quitline in Indiana. Since its inception, it has been helping individuals find the resources they need to quit tobacco. Now, with the updated version, WCI hopes to support both employees and employers in navigating the challenges associated with tobacco cessation. The tool is free for all WCI members, making it an accessible resource for companies looking to enhance their wellness programs.
The Indiana Chamber has long advocated for increased tobacco taxes, as the impact of smoking on both public health and business productivity is well-documented. According to research, an employee who smokes or uses tobacco products costs an employer an additional $5,800 annually compared to a non-smoker. Indiana Chamber President and CEO, Vanessa Green Sinders, emphasized the economic benefits of a healthier workforce. “Besides obviously being good for individuals, a healthy state is good for business,” she said. “Research has shown that an employee who smokes (or uses tobacco) costs an employer $5,800 more than one who doesn’t use tobacco. It’s that simple.”
The tax hike on tobacco products is expected to make a significant impact on the state’s smoking rates, which remain higher than the national average. As part of the Indiana Chamber’s broader vision for a prosperous state, healthy communities are one of the key pillars of the Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan. This plan includes specific goals aimed at reducing smoking and vaping rates across the state, further aligning with the launch of the updated Quit Now Tool.
The Chamber also encourages employers to use the Quit Now Tool as part of their wellness programs and to consider additional steps to help employees quit tobacco products. Encouraging employees to quit can lead to healthier individuals, reduced healthcare costs, and increased productivity. Additionally, tobacco cessation efforts in the workplace can help reduce absenteeism, which directly benefits businesses by promoting a more engaged and healthier workforce.
The Indiana Chamber’s Wellness Council of Indiana offers memberships starting at $300, with the Quit Now Tool included in the benefits for all members. Employers interested in learning more about the tool or enrolling in the program can visit the official website at www.wellnessindiana.org/quit. With the tax increase now in effect, there is no better time for employers to partner with the Wellness Council to provide the resources and support their employees need to quit tobacco and embrace healthier lifestyles.
As more and more individuals seek to quit tobacco with the higher costs of these products, the Quit Now Tool serves as a critical resource in making the journey toward cessation more accessible, effective, and supportive. Through collaboration between employers and the Indiana Chamber’s Wellness Council, the state can foster a healthier, more productive workforce while addressing the long-term impacts of tobacco use.
