Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable illness, disability and death in the U.S. Although cigarette smoking has declined in the past five years, millions of Americans still smoke. Smoking-related illnesses in the U.S. costs more than $300 billion annually, with $225 billion stemming from direct medical care for adults.

A recent study proved cigarette smoking cost the United States over $600 billion in a single year. This amount included more than $240 billion in health care costs and nearly $372 billion in lost productivity because of smoking-related illness ($185 billion), smoking-related premature deaths ($180 billion), and secondhand smoke exposure ($7 billion). These numbers show tobacco’s significant financial impact, affecting health care and productivity.

Differences in Healthcare Costs Based on Race
Some racial and ethnic groups pay higher healthcare costs related to tobacco usage. Minorities spend twice as much on medical bills. On average, white adults spend $876 on annual medical care related to smoking compared to minorities who spend about $1,509 per year. This difference is higher in Hispanic and other non-white/multiracial adults, compared to black and Asian adults.

Chronic Conditions that Contribute to High Healthcare Costs
Most of the healthcare costs associated with smoking come from treating the diseases caused by long-term tobacco use. More than 16 million Americans have at least one smoking-related illness. These illnesses lead to half a million deaths per year. Chronic conditions that may result from smoking cigarettes and create significant health care costs include:

• Cancer of the lung, mouth, nose, larynx, tongue, nasal sinus, esophagus, throat, pancreas, bone marrow), kidney, cervix, ovary, ureter, liver, bladder, bowel and stomach
• Lung diseases
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Ulcers of the digestive system
• Frail bones and hip fractures
• Poor blood circulation
• Type 2 diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Need Help with Quitting Smoking?
Quitting smoking can help reduce your overall healthcare costs and improve future health outcomes. Here are some steps you can take to quit:

Make a quit plan: Create a customized plan to help you reach your goals. Use the YouCanQuit2 Quit Plan to create your plan today!

Find support: There are programs and resources available to help support you in your journey to quitting smoking. Use the YouCanQuit 2 Support Locator to find in-person and online resources.

Text message programs: Use text message programs to find help quitting right at your fingertips.

Smokefree.gov: Find a variety of programs that offer tips to become tobacco free and encouragement on how to live a healthy life!

This is Quitting: Get tips and advice for quitting e-cigarettes, including JUUL.