Learning Objectives: Support the expansion of tobacco use treatment coverage through policy initiatives and partnerships.
Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to outline how public health professionals can support the expansion of tobacco use treatment coverage through policy initiatives. Using the example of a CDC- George Washington University collaboration, the presenters will share information on encouraging insurance purchasers to enhance coverage. As a result of their efforts, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) made significant changes to the benefit structure for smoking cessation coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). The lessons learned can be applied to policy initiatives in the following way: evaluating health insurance programs (state employees health plans, Medicaid, Medicare, etc), forging partnerships with State Medicaid Directors and insurance purchasers, and providing evidence that tobacco use treatment coverage is sound fiscal and healthcare policy.
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