New Report Finds Kentucky Smoking Cessation Efforts Lacking
Dec 11th, 2011
New Report Finds Kentucky Smoking Cessation Efforts Lacking
According to the American Lung Association’s annual Helping Smokers Quit: Tobacco Cessation Coverage 2011 report, Kentucky still ranks low in providing quit smoking programs and treatments to smokers.
While Kentucky recently passed legislation to fund smoking cessation benefits under its Medicaid program, the recent switch to managed care has made it unclear which companies will cover which medications and counseling services.
The report also noted that Kentucky spends only 33 cents per smoker on state quitlines (phone support to help smokers quit) compared to the $10.53 per smoker recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
One of our biggest priorities at KVH is the promotion of comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation programs and championing prevention initiatives in the Medicaid program. With over 443,000 people still dying each year from tobacco-related illnesses, it is important that potential barriers to coverage do not go unchecked.
Read the full report here: http://www.lungusa.org/assets/documents/publications/smoking-cessation/helping-smokers-quit-2011.pdf
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