Cash Incentives Double Smoking Quit Rates

A new study published on October 5, 2026, in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that financial incentives can be a powerful motivator for quitting smoking. Researchers found that smokers who were offered cash rewards of up to $600 were twice as likely to quit compared to other cessation methods. This finding is particularly significant as the participants had often smoked for decades and had made multiple unsuccessful quit attempts previously.

The study, which involved over 3,200 active smokers referred for lung cancer screening, tested cash incentives against three other strategies: standard care with referrals, standard care with free quit-smoking medications, and standard care with free medications plus text-based support. Participants in the incentive group could earn up to $600 based on verified nicotine-free status at two weeks, three months, and six months, in addition to receiving free medications.

After six months, approximately 8% of participants receiving financial incentives plus free medications had successfully quit smoking. This rate more than doubled the 3% quit rate observed in the standard care group. The groups receiving only free medications or free medications with text support showed lower quit rates of 1% and 2%, respectively. Researchers are now exploring how to best implement these cash-incentive programs and gauge public reception.

Lead researchers emphasized the potential impact of finding new, effective approaches to help people stop smoking, highlighting the benefits to both individual health and overall quality of life. The study's findings underscore the effectiveness of monetary rewards, especially for individuals who may be difficult to engage with traditional cessation methods.