Wellness Department -
Tobacco Cessation Programs & Surcharge Waiver

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Tobacco users who complete an approved tobacco cessation program between September 1 - November 23, 2011, qualify for a waiver of the 2012 Purdue Medical plan tobacco-user premium. Here are approved tobacco cessation program options.

CIGNA Option

Quit Today (Online)

Enroll in the "Leaving Tobacco Behind for Good" online program at www.mycigna.com. You must complete the program through Step 6.

• Call (800) 767-7141 to get started. Enroll no later than October 1, 2011 to allow time to meet the November 23, 2011 deadline.
• Available to employees and covered spouses/same sex domestic partners at all campuses.
• Instructions for registering and getting started with the CIGNA online program.

Other Options

Community Alternatives

If you take part in a tobacco cessation program through other campus resources, hospitals or community organizations, you may qualify for waiver of the tobacco-user surcharge, depending on the specifics of the offering.

Before taking part, contact Employee Wellness at (219) 785-5519 to review the details of the offering and find out if completion of the program will qualify you for the surcharge waiver. If the program qualifies, Employee Wellness will provide you with a Community Alternative form that you must have signed by the community program's representative when you have finished the program .

Approved Local Community Alternatives:

IU Health LaPorte Hospital (one-on-one intrinsic coaching):

• Six sessions, one hour each, offering a unique approach to quitting tobacco use.
• $75 per person
• For more information or to register, call the Wellness Center at The Crossings at (219) 326-2480 or (800) 325-6204, ext. 2480.

Porter Health Systems ( group cessation classes)**:

• Four sessions, one hour each, focusing on behavior modification.
• Meets every Thursday of the month. First session begins the 1st Thursday of the month. Next session: Thursday, October 6, 2011.
• $25 per person.
• For more information or to register, call (219) 263-4671

**Please note: Due to time constraints, this program is approved only for the Fall 2011. In 2012, in order for this program to be an approved community alternative, participants will have to attend all four sessions PLUS two supplemental group meetings.

Medical Alternatives

If you are unable to participate in a traditional program due to a medical condition, contact Employee Wellness at (219) 785-5519 to develop an alternative way to qualify for waiver of the tobacco-user premium.

Can't complete a program by November 23?

Tobacco users who do not complete an approved cessation program between September 1 - November 23, 2011 will have opportunities to complete an approved program during 2012 to qualify for a partial waiver of the premium.

• Complete by February 28, 2012 to qualify for waiver beginning on April 1, 2012.
• Complete by May 30, 2012 to quality for waiver beginning on July 1, 2012.
• Complete by August 31, 2012 to qualify for waiver begging on October 1, 2012.