Other Policy

Research

American Journal of Preventive Medicine supplement: "Minnesota's Investment in Applied Tobacco Control Research: Findings to Inform Practice and Policy"
A November 2012 supplement to the peer-reviewed American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlights Minnesota’s history as a leader in tobacco control, examines the impact of various tobacco control policies, and outlines the future of tobacco control in the state. Key policies and programs have included comprehensive smoke-free air policies, prevention of secondhand smoke exposure, addressing disparities, and tobacco product regulation. The supplement features eight articles from ClearWay Minnesota-funded research grantees, five articles from ClearWay Minnesota-funded research projects, a review article by two experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a commentary by Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Click here to view a listing of articles in the supplement.

Research shows tobacco's price is largest factor in reducing smoking prevalence (MN)
New research published in a supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine states that the price of tobacco is the largest contributing factor to a reduction in smoking prevalence in Minnesota. The researchers utilized data from current, new, and former smokers between 1993 and 2011 to determine if individual tobacco policies and programs were effective in reducing smoking rates in the state. Then, a simulation model was used to project the future lifesaving potential of the programs. The Minnesota SimSmoke model projected that a combination of policy changes including tax increases, smoke-free air laws, and programs such as media campaigns and cessation treatment contributed to a 29% decrease in smoking prevalence in Minnesota. Forty-three percent of this drop in the state’s smoking prevalence can be attributed to price increases alone. The model goes on to predict that if Minnesota increased the tax on tobacco products and continued aggressive mass media campaigns, the state could prevent 55,000 smoking-related deaths over the next thirty years. The SimSmoke model has been replicated in many other states and countries, and the results are all similar in that the model predicts adult smoking rates with accuracy. Click here to read more. Click here to access the full report.

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Reports

Many health insurance plans fall short in covering tobacco cessation treatments mandated by health reform law, study finds
Researchers at Georgetown University discovered gaps in insurance coverage of smoking cessation treatments based on their examination of 39 insurance coverage contracts sold in six states. They found that evidence-based cessation treatments are often not covered by private insurers, despite strong evidence that these therapies are effective in assisting smokers to quit. Additionally, many policies were found to have significant gaps in coverage for cessation counseling and medications. The Affordable Care Act requires full coverage of preventive health services recommended with an "A" or "B" grade by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, including tobacco cessation treatment. The language surrounding tobacco cessation treatment in insurance policies was also found to be confusing and conflicting, which could lead to a lack of utilization of the coverage by consumers. Click here to read the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ press release on this study. Click here to access the full report.

SOPHE's guide to effectively educating state and local policymakers
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has released a resource guide that highlights the action steps that should be taken to educate policymakers on important health policy issues. It is based off of SOPHE’s State Health Policy Institute curriculum, which focused on educating state legislators and professionals on effective policies and the latest research in chronic disease prevention and control. Click here to read more, and to access the guide.

ASH: Big tobacco buys big political influence
Action on Smoking & Health (ASH) has released an online map that shows how major players in the tobacco industry have contributed to congressional campaigns. This interactive map allows users to click on their home district, and view how much money the Member of Congress and Senator in that region have accepted from tobacco companies. Bipartisan contributions by the tobacco industry have resulted in votes for tobacco interests, according to the map. Tobacco use continues to be a major health issue in the U.S., and efforts to reduce smoking rates through policy changes are ongoing. Click here to read more. Click here to access the map.

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National Policy

Obama administration gives smokers a way out of higher insurance premiums
This month, the Obama administration announced proposed rules related to how insurers will be expected to set insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act. The federal law prohibits insurers from setting insurance rates based on characteristics such as health, gender, or occupation; however, the law does allow for differences in rates based on age, geography, and tobacco use. The law does allow tobacco users to be exempted from the higher insurance premiums if they seek tobacco cessation treatment. State insurance regulators will have a key role in setting the final rules; for example, states may opt to eliminate the higher insurance rate for smokers. While some tobacco control advocates find the differential smokers’ insurance premium to be a punitive measure, others praise the federal rule, expecting that it will encourage smokers to enroll in quit-tobacco programs. Click here to read about the Obama administration’s proposals on insurance premiums, or click here to read specifically about the tobacco-related provision. Related: Opportunity for public comment Insurers, the public, and other concerned parties may comment on the proposed rule on variations in insurance premiums based on tobacco use. Click here to view the proposed rule, or click here to submit a comment on Docket CMS-2012-0141. Comments must be submitted by December 26, 2012.

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International

Draft protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products
The World Health Organization (WHO) has drafted a protocol to assist in eliminating the illicit trade of tobacco products. The illegal trafficking and sale of tobacco products are global problems that negatively affect the public’s health. This protocol will put into place a global tracking and tracing system for tobacco products with measures regarding licensing, information-sharing, and mutual legal assistance. After four years of negotiations, a draft text for the protocol has been agreed upon by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade (INB). Once this protocol is adopted, it will be the first protocol for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty that aims to reduce tobacco use. Click here to read more, and to view the draft protocol.

Tobacco firm may have breached packaging laws (Australia)
Tobacco company British American Tobacco (BAT) Australia is under investigation for allegedly breaking Australia’s new plain packaging laws. A law that requires the plain packaging of cigarettes was passed in the country in October, and it states that no branding or advertising that identifies the brand or type of cigarette is allowed on cigarette packaging. Suspicions of the breach result from the placement of three letters on the packages with unknown origin or meaning. About six other brands are being investigated as well. BAT may face more than $100 million in fines if found guilty. Click here to read more.

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