Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
10-27-2016
Journal
Preventing Chronic Disease
Volume
13
Inclusive Pages
1-9
DOI
10.5888/pcd13.160234
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: State Medicaid programs can cover tobacco cessation therapies for millions of low-income smokers in the United States, but use of this benefit is low and varies widely by state. This article assesses the effects of changes in Medicaid benefit policies, general tobacco policies, smoking norms, and public health programs on the use of cessation therapy among Medicaid smokers.
METHODS: We used longitudinal panel analysis, using 2-way fixed effects models, to examine the effects of changes in state policies and characteristics on state-level use of Medicaid tobacco cessation medications from 2010 through 2014.
RESULTS: Medicaid policies that require patients to obtain counseling to get medications reduced the use of cessation medications by approximately one-quarter to one-third; states that cover all types of cessation medications increased usage by approximately one-quarter to one-third. Non-Medicaid policies did not have significant effects on use levels.
CONCLUSIONS: States could increase efforts to quit by developing more comprehensive coverage and reducing barriers to coverage. Reductions in barriers could bolster smoking cessation rates, and the costs would be small compared with the costs of treating smoking-related diseases. Innovative initiatives to help smokers quit could improve health and reduce health care costs.
Creative Commons License
This work is free of known copyright restrictions.
APA Citation
Ku, L., Brantley, E., Bysshe, T., Steinmetz, E., & Bruen, B. K. (2016). How Medicaid and Other Public Policies Affect Use of Tobacco Cessation Therapy, United States, 2010-2014.. Preventing Chronic Disease, 13 (). http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.160234
Peer Reviewed
1
Open Access
1
Included in
Health Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Social Policy Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
Comments
This is a work of U.S. Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the United States.
Originally published in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Preventing Chronic Disease