Learning Objectives: to identify a need for additional outreach on covered tobacco cessation benefits.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective:
To identify states that conduct outreach to inform Medicaid recipients of covered tobacco dependence treatments.
Methods:
The Center for Health and Public Policy Studies, University of California, Berkeley conducted a survey of Medicaid Directors in 50 states plus the District of Columbia to document tobacco-dependence treatment coverage for Medicaid recipients. The response rate to the 2002 survey was 100% (51/51). The survey asked if they had conducted any outreach activities in the last year to inform tobacco users of Medicaid benefits for cessation.
Results:
Eleven Medicaid Programs (21%) responded that they conducted some outreach in the last year to inform recipients of covered cessation benefits. Of the different methods used (website, e-mail, newsletters, member services, primary care physicians, mailings, radio spots, billboards, television ads, new member packets, health fairs, pharmacies, and “other”), states reported using one to 11 methods. Only four states used three or more methods. On average, the number of tobacco treatments covered by states conducting outreach was more than eight out the 10 recommended by the PHS Guideline, suggesting that states that have relatively comprehensive benefits are most likely to conduct outreach to inform Medicaid recipients of coverage.
Conclusions:
Although a variety of outreach methods have been utilized to inform Medicaid recipients of covered benefits for tobacco dependence treatments, very few states have actively sought to inform smokers of their availability. If recipients are unaware that effective treatments are covered, they may be less likely to seek assistance in quitting. Because only 11 states currently conduct outreach efforts, there is much room for improvement.
Back to Poster Session
Back to Evaluation and Surveillance
Back to The 2003 National Conference on Tobacco or Health (December 10-12, 2003)