Cell Phone Ownership and Service Plans Among Low-Income Smokers: The Hidden Cost of Quitlines

Conclusion:
Among low-income smokers, cell phones are often the sole telephone. Robust use of the QL may impose a substantial burden on low-income smokers’ calling plans, and therefore deter use of the QL. Exempting calls to QLs from counting against smokers’ plans may help promote QL utilization.

Implications:
Low-income individuals have high rates of smoking, and are more likely to own only cell phones, not landlines, for telephone access. Because cell phone calling plans often have limited numbers of monthly minutes, cell-only individuals may have to spend a substantial proportion of their monthly minutes on QL services. This may act as a deterrent to using an otherwise free, effective means of treatment for tobacco dependence. Exempting QLs from monthly calling plans may improve access for low-income smokers.

Source: Nicotine and Tobacco Research - July 11, 2016 Category: Addiction Authors: Bernstein, S. L., Rosner, J.-M., Toll, B. Tags: Brief Report Source Type: research