State Medicaid Coverage for Tobacco Cessation Treatments and Barriers to Coverage—United States, 2014–2015

October 30, 2015 / Vol. 64 / No. 42

MMWR Highlights

Trends in Medicaid Coverage of Smoking Cessation Treatments

• During 2014–2015, the number of states covering individual counseling increased from 27 to 31.
• During 2014–2015, the number of states covering group counseling increased from 7 to 10.
• During 2014–2015, the number of states covering all seven FDA-approved cessation medications for all Medicaid enrollees increased from 26 to 30.
• During 2014–2015, the number of states covering all nine treatments for all Medicaid enrollees increased from 6 to 9.

Common Barriers to Medicaid Coverage of Smoking Cessation Treatments

• During 2014–2015, 39 states required prior authorization for at least one treatment for at least some populations or plans.
• During 2014–2015, 38 states imposed limits on duration of treatments for at least some populations or plans.
• During 2014–2015, 36 states imposed annual limits on quit attempts for at least some populations or plans.
• During 2014–2015, 34 states required copayments for at least one treatment for at least some populations or plans.