Knowledge of Medicaid coverage and effectiveness of smoking treatments

Tobacco dependence has enormous health and financial repercussions in the United States, particularly among Medicaid enrollees, where a disproportionate share of the population smokes (36% compared to 23% in the general population). This paper examines two factors associated with the use of tobacco-dependence treatments (TDTs) in the Medicaid population: knowledge of TDT coverage and perceived effectiveness of TDTs.

Medicaid-enrolled smokers and recent quitters in four areas in the United States with comprehensive coverage of TDTs were interviewed as part of a random-digit-dial telephone survey in September 2003. Information was collected on demographics, health status, smoking history, knowledge of Medicaid coverage of TDTs (nicotine replacement patch and gum, Zyban, and counseling), and perceived effectiveness of TDTs. Logistic regression models were estimated to explain variation in enrollee use of TDTs as a function of knowledge of covered benefits and perceived effectiveness of the treatments.

Both knowledge of TDT coverage and the perceived effectiveness of TDTs are positively associated with the use of TDTs in the Medicaid population. However, a majority of Medicaid smokers do not know that Medicaid covers TDTs, and the perceived effectiveness of TDTs is often at odds with findings from the scientific literature.

Knowledge of Medicaid coverage and the perceived effectiveness of TDTs are associated with increased use of TDTs in the Medicaid population. Additional research is needed to better inform Medicaid smokers of their coverage and the effectiveness of TDTs in ways that encourage them to use these treatments to assist quit attempts.