Despite high smoking prevalence (35 percent) among recipients, high economic burden, and the availability of evidence-based and cost-effective treatments, eight state Medicaid programs did not cover any tobacco-dependence treatments, and only one program (Oregon) covered all recommended treatments in 2006.  Additionally, even in states that provide coverage, there were significant restrictions on the use of these treatments.  Providing full Medicaid coverage for all recommended tobacco dependence treatments, eliminating barriers to the use of these treatments, promoting treatment use, and educating Medicaid recipients and providers about coverage are critical to reducing tobacco use among this increased-risk population. 

Partnership's Vice President of Policy, Corinne Husten, is a co-author on the new study.