Low SES Resources

Two new resources are now available for advocates involved in tobacco control issues within low socioeconomic populations.

1. The Break Free Alliance’s new report, Smoking in Low Socioeconomic Status Populations: Prevalence, Health Impact, Challenges and Recommendations. The report outlines smoking behaviors and health impacts in various low SES groups, to include: HIV/AIDS, homeless, incarcerated, disabled and more.

2. ActionToQuit is pleased to announce a new section on our website entitled Medicaid. According to the CDC, Medicaid enrollees have nearly twice the smoking rates of the general adult population, and smoking-related medical costs are estimated to be 11% of Medicaid expenditures. The Public Health Service tobacco use clinical guidelines recommend comprehensive coverage of all approved treatments. Most state Medicaid programs fall far short, and in the U.S. coverage varies dramatically within states and across states. ActionToQuit advocates that each state’s Medicaid program contribute to the public’s health by making tobacco cessation a priority. The Medicaid section offers - Partnership publications, advocacy letters, reports, tools and more.