Background
Taft–Hartley Health and Welfare Funds (“funds”) administer health insurance plans
that cover approximately nine million U.S. adults. Unionized workers covered by funds
work primarily in blue- and pink-collar occupations and smoke at a rate almost twice
that of workers in other occupations. Most funds do not provide comprehensive coverage
for tobacco cessation treatment for fund participants (workers, family members, and
retirees).
Purpose
This study tested a pilot intervention to increase the provision and promotion of
cessation benefits among Minnesota-based funds by educating the funds' advisors.
Methods
Tailored educational outreach was conducted to advisors (administrators, consultants,
attorneys) of 10 Minnesota-based funds (2009–2011). Pre- and post-intervention advisor
interviews measured perceptions/knowledge/attitudes about tobacco use, cessation,
coverage, and promotion of benefits. Pre- and post-intervention data on benefit provision
were collected from Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) and Summary Material Modifications
(SMMs) of 10 Minnesota-based funds and 19 comparison funds in Massachusetts and Washington,
and compared in 2011. SPDs/SMMs were scored on benefit adequacy, comparing services
covered and the extent to which they met DHHS recommendations.
Results
Minnesota-based funds provided significantly higher coverage (except for copays and
pre-conditions) pre-intervention. However, there were no significant differences between
Minnesota and comparison funds in rate of improvement in benefits over time. At follow-up,
advisors reported a significant increase in confidence in their knowledge to address
smoking issues in funds. Advisors also reported sharing intervention information with
fund trustees.
Conclusions
Educational strategies to influence advisors who provide guidance to fund trustees
may help to increase advisors' confidence to address cessation benefit improvement.
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Copyright
© 2012 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
