Tobacco burden is significantly greater among those insured by Medicaid, with a smoking prevalence of about twice as high as the national average (28% vs. 15%). Over the past decade, smoking prevalence among those insured by Medicaid has remained relatively unchanged while the overall smoking prevalence in the United States and among other insurance groups decreased. This indicates the need for targeting tobacco control strategies to those insured by Medicaid. In response, the Vermont Tobacco Control Program (VTCP) set out to implement best practice by making its Medicaid cessation benefit more comprehensive and raising awareness and use of the benefit to support members in quitting.
Authors: Rhonda K. Williams, Rebecca L. Brookes, Erin R. Singer, John Snow, Inc., 2019
We strive to build lasting relationships to produce better health outcomes for all.
