Effect of Medicaid coverage of tobacco-dependence treatments on smoking cessation

Abstract

Smoking cessation aids (nicotine replacement products and anti-depressant medication) have been proven to double quitting rates compared to placebo in several randomized controlled trials. But the high initial cost of cessation aids might create a financial barrier to cessation for low-income smokers. In the U.S., Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to low-income people, and in some states covers smoking cessation products. This paper uses nationally representative data of the U.S. to examine how the Medicaid coverage of cessation aids affect smoking behavior. The results indicate the Medicaid coverage of cessation products is positively associated with successful quitting among women aged 18-44.

Keywords: Medicaid; health insurance; smoking cessation; tobacco dependence treatment.

Figure 1.

Medicaid Coverage of Tobacco Dependence Treatments in 2002.