Financial Incentives for Smoking Treatment II

Financial incentives for motivating changes in health behavior, particularly for smoking and other morbid habits, are increasingly being tested by health insurers, employers, and government agencies. However, in using incentive programs for smoking cessation, key unanswered structural and theoretical questions remain regarding their effectiveness, acceptability to patients, and economic sustainability. This trial aims to advance the science and implementation of financial incentives for smoking cessation interventions among high-risk, hospitalized smokers. The investigators will pursue two specific aims: 1) comparing the impact of three approaches for smoking cessation on smoking abstinence, use of evidenced-based therapy, and quality of life and 2) comparing the short-term and long term return on investment of using goal directed and outcome-based financial incentives to promote smoking cessation.