Learning Objectives: Explain how a state can reviewed state/community level options to influence tobacco related health plan benefit packages.
Abstract: The issue of access to tobacco cessation (addiction) treatment benefits has yet to be fully explored in New Jersey. We have examined the issues related to cessation
benefits from various viewpoints including those of: health insurers/plans, health benefit purchasers (e.g. employers, individuals or the government) and members (smokers or their families). Multiple surveys have been conducted in New Jersey to determine smoking prevalence among residents, workplace smoking policies, and health insurance cessation coverage. The data obtained from these surveys have been triangulated to provide an overall description of the cessation insurance benefits. This presentation will discuss how the insurance business model operates in the various marketplaces in New Jersey. We will explain differences found in members’ smoking patterns among markets and products. Cessation benefits and services currently offered by insurers and plans will be described. Additionally we will discuss the confusion about cessation benefits coverage experienced by health care providers. Finally, the presentation will explore recommendations for actions to help influence decision makers to increase covered benefits options.
Back to The Latest Findings in the Health Insurance Market
Back to Cessation, Nicotine, and the Science of Addiction
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health