Provide Supportive Healthcare Services for Employees

The American Lung Association believes that all Americans should have easy access to healthcare services, including the 31 million individuals living with chronic lung disease and the 36.5 million Americans who still smoke. A benefit package that provides comprehensive services to adequately control and manage their disease and quit smoking will help improve health and reduce the overall costs associated with lung disease.

Provide Smoking Cessation Benefits

The Affordable Care Act requires employers and health insurance plans to cover preventive services at no cost to insurance plan members. Tobacco cessation treatment is a preventive service required under this law for more health plans.  The American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® can fulfill this requirement, and has over 35 years of experience helping hundreds of thousands of individuals become smokefree. Learn more about how to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-use smoking cessation benefit.

Offer Chronic Lung Disease Benefits

Comprehensive coverage of healthcare expenses is needed for people living with chronic lung disease such as asthma and COPD to better control and manage their disease. Comprehensive care could include elements such as assessment and monitoring, comprehensive pharmacologic therapy, education, and control of environmental factors. Learn more about how to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-use chronic lung disease benefit.

Provide Annual Flu Shots

Influenza, or the flu, is a serious respiratory illness that is easily spread from person to person and can lead to severe complications, even death. In addition, the flu is a substantial contributor to missed work days. The best way to prevent the flu is through the yearly flu vaccine which is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.

Employers can help improve workplace health by:

• Providing the flu vaccine in your employee benefits plan
• Reimbursing workers who get a flu vaccination
• Providing a flu vaccination clinic at your workplace
• Developing a seasonal flu campaign at your workplace

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Flu.gov provides information about seasonal flu, pandemic flu, guidance for employers and information for employees.