Use of Medicaid reimbursement for smoking cessation products has increased dramatically in New York State in last 8 years

Over 30% of New Yorkers on Medicaid smoke cigarettes compared with just 14% of those with private health insurance.

Medicaid began reimbursing for prescription smoking cessation products in October 1999 and for over-the-counter products in February 2000. About one million adults are enrolled in Medicaid in New York.

Since medicaid began reimbursing for smoking cessation products, the number of Medicaid claims and the number of recipients for these products has risen dramatically. This is important because New Yorkers on Medicaid are disproportionately affected by cigarette smoking.

Hopefully this will have long term health benefits for medicaid recipients and in the long run save money for the treatment of smoking related illnesses.


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