Notes from the Field: Enhanced Identification of Tobacco Use among Adult Medicaid Members — King Cou

Sabbatini AK, Craig A, Kern E, et al.
Notes from the Field: Enhanced Identification of Tobacco Use among Adult Medicaid Members — King County, Washington, 2016–2023
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2025;74:116–117. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7407a2.

What is already known about this topic?
Among adults covered by health insurance, prevalence of tobacco use is highest among Medicaid members. Reimbursement claims data alone can underestimate tobacco use.
What is added by this report?
During 2016–2023, supplementing reimbursement claims data with tobacco use information from Medicaid enrollment identified 14,163 (14.0%) additional Medicaid members, including a higher proportion of men and those who did not have a diagnosed chronic condition.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Identifying tobacco use during Medicaid enrollment enhances public health data collection and provides opportunities to better diagnose and treat tobacco use.