For most Blue Cross members:
Quitting tobacco and vaping support line
Call toll-free 1-888-662-BLUE (2583)
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. CT, Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
For Blue Advantage Families and Children, MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Senior Care Plus and SecureBlue members: Call 1-855-552-2583, TTY 711.
If you’re not a member:
You can receive support with quitting through the quit-line in your state, if one is available.
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Get started with our support program
If you're a Blue Cross member, our quitting tobacco and vaping support program can help you take the first step to becoming nicotine-free. Here’s what you’ll receive:
- An initial call to talk about your history of nicotine use and your efforts to quit
- Four additional calls with a wellness coach at times that work for you
- A personal quit plan
- A workbook sent to your home with tips to help you stick with the plan and deal with stress and cravings
- Two additional calls to support you after you complete the program (30- and 90-day follow-ups)
- Online tools and resources for support and to track your progress between calls
Quit aids can help, too
If you want to use a quit aid (patch, gum or lozenge), your wellness coach will help you figure out which would work best for you. Call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card to find out about health plan coverage for any quit aids.
What's the big deal about vaping?
Vaping is short for vaporize. That's how an e-cigarette works. It heats liquid to provide an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. Aside from nicotine, which is highly addictive, the vape liquid may also contain other harmful substances like:
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead
- Ultrafine particles
- Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung disease
Vaping's toll on our health
There have been 1,604 vaping-related lung injury cases to date, and a number of them resulting in fatalities. The specific cause has not been determined. Until it is, the only safe bet is to avoid all vaping products.