Switch signals major advancement in public health for Washington

OLYMPIA -- Beginning July 1, Medicaid clients will be able to access a new stop-smoking benefit that will include counseling and prescription drugs.

Robin Arnold-Williams, secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), said the change is a major plus for low-income groups, where smoking rates remain high despite an overall downward trend among the general population.

"We are extremely pleased that Medicaid coverage will now include a cessation benefit," Arnold-Williams said. "We are continually looking for ways to improve services for our clients, and quitting smoking is one of the best things people can do to live longer, healthier lives."

The new benefit also represents a partnership between DSHS and the Department of Health, where the Washington State Tobacco Quit Line will now help link Medicaid clients to their new benefit. The toll-free number is available to any Washington resident at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-2NO-FUME in Spanish.).

"Quit coaches" will support eligible Medicaid clients with free counseling, nicotine patches or gum, and by recommending a prescription medication, if appropriate. The benefit will cover these services as well as the cost of the prescription medications recommended by the quit line if prescribed by the client's own physician or advanced registered nurse practitioner.

"The new benefit will make a real difference in the lives of people who can least afford to get help quitting smoking," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "Our research shows that low-income people smoke much more than the general population and are less likely to quit successfully. We hope this additional support will help change that."

In addition to improving public health, investing in tobacco cessation saves money. Since the state's comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Program began in 2000, the adult smoking rate has declined by 24 percent. The estimated 235,000 fewer smokers in the state represents an overall savings of $2.1 billion in future health care costs.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that, on average, 14 percent of all Medicaid expenditures are related to smoking. In Washington state, DSHS estimates that approximately 160,000 Medicaid fee-for-service clients smoke and that Medicaid will reach five percent of this population in the first year of the benefit.

The Quit Line offers an evidence-based approach to quitting smoking. Since 2000, more than 100,000 people in Washington have called the quit line for help.

All Washington residents are eligible for some level of free quit support through the Tobacco Quit Line, with services that range from free information, counseling, a personalized quit plan and local quitting resources to quit kits and a supply of nicotine replacement therapy, if appropriate.

Additional help for smokers is also available at www.quitline.com.

Quit line:  The Washington State Tobacco Quit Line will now offer additional help for Medicaid clients. The toll-free number is available to all Washington residents.  Call: 1-800-QUIT-NOW  (or 1-800-2NO-FUME in Spanish.)

FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT:   Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).