Simulation Of Quitting Smoking In The Military Shows Higher Lifetime Medical Spending More Than Offset By Productivity Gains

Lewin senior researchers just published an article in the December 2012 issue of Health Affairs on the long-term health and economic implications of smoking cessation in the Military.  The article, "Simulation Of Quitting Smoking In The Military Shows Higher Lifetime Medical Spending More Than Offset By Productivity Gains" is based on a Lewin study for the Department of Defense using Lewin's Health Promotion Microsimulation Model. The study found that cessation accompanied by weight gain would increase average life expectancy by 3.7 years, and that the average lifetime medical expenditures would increase slightly as a result of prolonged life. Avoidance of weight gain after quitting smoking would increase average life expectancy by four additional months and reduce mean extra spending. Overall, the average net lifetime health care cost increase of $1,700 or less per ex-smoker would be modest and, for employed people, more than offset by even one year’s worth of productivity gains. These results boost the case for smoking cessation programs in the military.