The cost of smoking report

Minnesotans spend billions of dollars each year on smoking-related healthcare expenses.

• In 2021, that amount was an estimated $4.7 billion, which breaks down to $824 per resident, emphasizing how everyone in Minnesota bears a portion of this financial burden.
• There were 6,530 deaths attributable to smoking in Minnesota, marking a 3.5 percent increase over the past decade.
• Premature death due to smoking led to approximately 81,000 years of potential life lost and about $4.7 billion in lost productivity.
• When considering both healthcare expenses and lost productivity, the cost of smoking in Minnesota skyrockets to an estimated $9.4 billion.

Key findings from the report

Putting costs in perspective

The $4.7 billion in excess health care costs associated with smoking could also fund:

How we can reduce these costs

It has long been established that the tobacco industry targets communities that face significant health challenges. Ending the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products would be a critical step toward addressing these challenges in Minnesota. By allowing the continued sale of these commercial tobacco products, the cycle of harm is perpetuated, and lives continue to be lost — especially in communities that are already facing hardships.

In partnership with Advocates for Better Health, progress was made to eliminate the sale of menthol and flavored commercial tobacco products in Minnesota, which is a key priority of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Advocates for Better Health brought physicians and medical students to the legislative session to advocate for these policies.

As Minnesota charts its course forward, the urgency of enacting policies that transcend regional boundaries cannot be overstated. Waiting for federal mandates is not a viable option in the face of rising smoking-related deaths and escalating healthcare costs. By taking the lead in eliminating menthol and flavored tobacco products statewide, Minnesota can set a precedent for prioritizing public health. The efforts of advocates, policymakers and the public must converge to ensure that the next chapter in Minnesota’s fight against commercial tobacco is marked by decisive action, leading to healthier communities and a brighter, tobacco-free future for all Minnesotans.

Download the report