Other Policy
Research
The return on investment of a Medicaid tobacco cessation program in Massachusetts (MA)
A new study has found that Massachusetts saves $3 for every $1 it spends on tobacco cessation services for beneficiaries of the Medicaid program, illustrating that comprehensive smoking cessation coverage can save lives and reduce state and federal healthcare spending. Previous research had found that hospital admissions for heart attacks and coronary heart disease fell among Massachusetts Medicaid beneficiaries after the implementation of cessation coverage and this decrease in hospital admissions led to the $3 savings per $1 spent on cessation coverage. Researchers state that not only has cessation coverage decreased smoking rates in Massachusetts from 38% to 28% in 2.5 years, but the Medicaid program has saved $14.7 million. The researchers note that this study illustrates that comprehensive tobacco cessation services for Medicaid recipients may be cost effective and will improve health outcomes for low-income populations. Read the study abstract published in PLoS One here and read a statement from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids President here. Related: Policy paper and webinar from Partnership for Prevention A policy paper based on the study, titled “Saving Money: The Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation Medicaid Benefit” is available here on the Partnership for Prevention website. Partnership for Prevention is pleased to sponsor an educational webinar featuring the author of the study and a discussion of the policy implications on February 8, 2012 at 2pm ET. Click here for more details, and to register for the webinar.
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Reports
American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2012 report released
The American Lung Association has released its 2012 State of Tobacco Control report, an annual policy summary that grades both state and federal government on key tobacco control priorities. The report found that in 2011, the federal government made significant improvements to strengthen tobacco control policies, such as the unveiling of new graphic warning labels for cigarette packs. However, most states did not make significant progress in advancing tobacco control policies, such as passing comprehensive smoke-free laws or increasing tobacco tax. The American Lung Association stresses the importance of strong tobacco control policies to aid in the fight against tobacco. Click here to read more and here to see the report and look at your state’s tobacco control grade.
Three new products from TALC: Limiting "teen-friendly" cigars and more through tobacco retailer licensing
The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) has introduced three new tools to help advocates and policymakers make tobacco products less accessible: model ordinance language and an accompanying fact sheet on limiting access to “teen-friendly” cigar products, and a fact sheet describing more than a dozen other provisions local governments can incorporate into a tobacco retailer licensing program to gain further control over the sale of tobacco products in their community. Although TALC provides legal information about tobacco-related policy issues in California, TALC’s policy advice is often applicable in other states.
NALBOH factsheets available on evidence-based tobacco control programs and policies
The National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) has released new factsheets, based on information from the Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide). The factsheets describe evidence-based programs, services, and policies that boards of health can utilize to address tobacco use prevention and control and physical activity. The factsheets can both be downloaded from the NALBOH website free of charge.
New fact sheet on DOJ racketeering case, U.S. v. Philip Morris
The Tobacco Control Legal Consortium has released a new resource that locates critical evidence from U.S. v. Philip Morris, the lawsuit about the tobacco industry’s fifty-year conspiracy to defraud the public about the health risks of tobacco. The Consortium’s goal in preparing the document has been to extract highlights of the court’s findings that help tell the legal story of the infamous racketeering case in a direct and easily understandable way. Click here for the TCLC’s new fact sheet with tips on how to use the findings from the case to support tobacco control laws and policies, or click here to see the 2006 document, “The Verdict Is In: Findings from United States v. Philip Morris.” Click here for a listing of TCLC’s resources on tobacco control litigation.
Orange Bowl scraps planned 3-year sponsorship deal with Camacho Cigars
In response to an open letter from several public health groups, Orange Bowl officials decided to back out of a three-year sponsorship deal with Camacho Cigars. The health groups stated in their letter that the sponsorship, which would have given the brand high visibility at several game-day events, violates federal regulations regarding tobacco sponsorship, and downplays the health risks associated with tobacco use. Although the prevalence of cigarette use has declined in the U.S. in recent years, cigar use has remained steady. Following cigarettes, cigars are the second most commonly used tobacco product among high school students. Health organizations led a successful campaign last year that led to a rule that prohibits Major League Baseball players from using or carrying tobacco products during games for the same reasons. Click here to read more, or click here to view a press release from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which was among the groups to sign on to the open letter.
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State Policy
Lawmaker seeks ban on selling hookah pipes to those under 18 (AZ)
Arizona Representative Kimberly Yee has introduced a bill that would make selling hookah pipes to minors and the possession of a hookah pipe by minors a petty offense. House Bill 2034 would amend the existing state law, which prohibits the sale of cigarettes and other smoking paraphernalia to minors. Yee believes that the bill is important because hookah pipes are a public health concern and youth need to understand their dangers and have restricted access to the pipes. Click here to read more and click here to track the bill, which is currently in the House.
Health advocates criticize Governor for shifting tobacco funds (ME)
This month, the Maine Health and Human Services Committee voted in favor of the governor’s budget proposal, which would fill gaps in Maine’s budget by diverting $29 million in tobacco settlement money from the Fund for Healthy Maine. Health advocates believe that taking money from the Fund for Healthy Maine will create future health problems, which will drive up healthcare costs. According to the governor’s administration, $2 million for the Maine Tobacco Helpline and $600,000 for tobacco cessation programs will not be shifted. As the proposal moves to the Appropriations Committee, advocates are hopeful that the proposal will be rejected. Click here to read more, or click here for additional background on the proposal.
Missouri senator seeks new age limit on tobacco sellers (MO)
In order to make it more difficult for minors to use tobacco, a Missouri senator wants to stop store clerks younger than eighteen years of age from selling tobacco products. Senate Bill 523 would fine retailers up to $500 per violation for allowing minors to sell tobacco products. The bill’s sponsor believes that clerks under age eighteen have a particularly difficult time declining to sell tobacco to minors. Retail organizations oppose the measure because it may hurt grocery stores and gas stations that employ minors as clerks. The bill is currently pending a Senate committee vote. Click here to read more and follow SB 523 here.
Utah to explore penalties for smokers on Medicaid (UT)
Legislation has been introduced in Utah that would penalize Medicaid recipients who use tobacco with higher copayments for medical care, compared to Medicaid enrollees who do not use tobacco. The bill’s sponsor believes that those who are voluntarily putting their health at risk should pay more for health insurance, and that the higher costs might encourage tobacco users to quit. While raising insurance surcharges for smokers is becoming more common among private employers, this proposal may be the first of its kind in the U.S. Read more here, and track House Bill 247 by clicking here.
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International
England bans cigarette displays in stores (England)
Starting in April, England will no longer allow the display of tobacco products, including cigarettes, in supermarkets and other large stores. All other tobacco retailers will be required to comply by April 2015. Although the new law will not ban the sale and advertising of cigarettes, stores will need to keep tobacco products out of the public’s view. The intent behind the law is to make it more difficult for customers to buy tobacco products, and discourage initiation of tobacco use. Although three tobacco companies had threatened the English government with legal action, the challenges have been withdrawn. The final rules are not expected to be set until March, leaving courts little time to decide the legal case before the law is implemented. Click here to read more.
Graphic images to appear on tobacco packaging from February 2013 (Ireland)
Ireland’s Minister for Health has approved and signed regulations that will require tobacco manufacturers to print graphic warnings about the harms of tobacco on the packaging of all tobacco products by February 1, 2013. The Department of Health hopes that the graphic images will decrease tobacco use, which kills over 5,200 people in Ireland per year. Read more here, or view a copy of the law here.
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