Quit smoking today with Quit For Life, a collaboration between UnitedHealthcare and American Cancer Society

For the past 30 years, UnitedHealthcare has collaborated with the American Cancer Society to offer the Quit For Life program, which has helped more than 3.5 million people quit smoking. Quit For Life—equipped with coaching, personalized plans, and various interactive tools—helps participants conquer tobacco, nicotine, and vaping addictions and reclaim their lives.

“Quit For Life empowers individuals to put their health first by offering evidence-based physical, psychological, and behavioral support to quit, improving well-being while reducing medical expenses and productivity losses,” said UnitedHealthcare AVP of Health Engagement Strategies Melanie M. Wagner, RN. “Participants often report feeling healthier with improved breathing and more energy, along with greater confidence and fewer cravings, thanks to coaching and nicotine replacement therapy. Many say they’ve reclaimed their lives, enjoying activities they once couldn’t and experiencing a renewed sense of well-being.”

While the main motivator to offer the Quit For Life program stems from UnitedHealthcare’s mission to help people live healthier lives, one of the positive side effects is the financial aspect. Beyond the well-known tax on health, smoking also leads to the loss of productivity and additional healthcare costs. With millions of people still smoking in the United States, UnitedHealthcare is eager to help millions of people improve not only their health but also their finances and overall satisfaction in life.

“For years, I have worked with a trucking company located in the Midwest, and with several employees in Illinois. Out of their participants who joined the Quit for Life program in 2024, they experienced a 60% quit rate and 93% satisfaction rating with the program,” Wagner said. “More than 5.9 million people have successfully quit or reduced tobacco use through Quit For Life, with participants reporting a 95% satisfaction rate. The program achieves an impressive 42% quit rate at six months post-enrollment, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting lasting change.”

Aside from major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day, Support Line coaches are available 24/7 to assist participants and coach them through their individual addiction struggles. Coaches are also available through Text A CoachSM if participants would prefer to communicate via text. Wherever people are in their addiction struggle, the coaches are there to support participants as they get used to their new normal and work through relapses. 

“Connecting with a dedicated coach – whether by phone, text, or chat – provides personalized and real-time support, which significantly enhances motivation and accountability. Continuous guidance, reminders, and tailored strategies have been shown to boost success, and the texting feature offers daily encouragement and tips,” Wagner said. “Quit For Life offers a range of support tools, including a Quit Kit with nicotine replacement therapies, an interactive app and website, and group video coaching sessions. Participants also have access to specialty tracks like pregnancy and behavioral health, the Live Vape Free texting program, and ongoing support for up to 12 months after quitting.”

To learn more about how you can quit through Quit For Life, visit quitnow.net. To learn more about UnitedHealthcare, visit uhc.com.