Problem/Objective: Kentucky has the highest smoking prevalence (28.7% per 2005 BRFSS) in the country with the smoking rate in the Medicaid population estimated at 40%. BRFSS 2005 data also suggest that Kentucky smokers are much less likely to make a serious quit attempt than the median rate for all states. In this session, we will evaluate the interventions and strategies used to accelerate the rate of smoking cessation among Kentucky Medicaid recipients.

Methods: To address these challenges, the Kentucky Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Program in the Governor's Office of Wellness and Physical Activity in collaboration with the Departments of Public Health and Medicaid have implemented a program to encourage smokers to quit with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment.

A public relations campaign was launched, including outreach to healthcare professionals, encouraging smokers to contact the Kentucky's Tobacco Quit Line (KTQL) 1-800-QUIT-NOW. The KTQL provides free behavioral counseling to assist smokers in their quit attempt. Medicaid recipients were encouraged to contact the KTQL by their healthcare providers. All Medicaid tobacco users were offered free nicotine replacement therapy in addition to the behavioral counseling provided by the KTQL.

Results: At the conference, we will report the results and key learnings associated with the implementation of a program of this magnitude and population focus. Additionally, we will provide current utilization results, as well as describe the range of outreach efforts targeted to inform Medicaid-eligible smokers of this benefit.

Conclusions: We will highlight lessons learned from a novel program to provide Medicaid-eligible smokers support and resources to quit.