By Gabe Bullard
Louisville, KY – State lawmakers from across the country are in Louisville this week for the National Conference of State Legislatures. And the American Lung Association will be on hand to lobby for changes to state Medicaid programs.
Manager of Cessation Policy Jennifer Singleterry says the ALA will encourage legislators to expand their Medicaid programs to fund smoking cessation initiatives. She says this is the most convenient time to change the policy.
"On October 1st, every state Medicaid program is required to cover tobacco cessation treatments for pregnant woman. Because they'll be implementing this coverage anyway, we are encouraging them to implement it for everyone."
Singleterry says, on average, states spend $607 million per year treating smoking-related illnesses for Medicaid patients. Expanding cessation programs would require some up-front expenditures, but would lead to cost savings in the long run.