It's been seven months since the Missouri legislature designated funds -- which in turn draw down more federal dollars -- to help reduce the high smoking rate among the MO HealthNet (Medicaid) population. The legislature knew that spending some money now to help people quit smoking will pay off big in the long run, because we are all paying for high rates of smoking-caused cancer and heart disease through the Medicaid budget. And yet steps have still not been taken to use these funds for tobacco cessation. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon should move forward with developing a comprehensive tobacco cessation program in Medicaid.
Tobacco cessation treatment for Medicaid is one of the most cost-effective disease prevention strategies and has helped reduce health care-related expenditures in other states. currently, low-income smokers face significant lack of access and cost barriers to smoking cessation treatment. Without coverage of smoking cessation services, tobacco-related health costs will continue to rise, resulting in even greater Medicaid spending in the future. Cessation is ranked as a leading cost-saving, preventive service and should be a top priority for Missouri as we look for ways to curb health care costs. Providing adequate funding for cessation programs will reduce tobacco-related deaths and diseases.
The risk of hospitalization from heart attacks has dropped sharply for Medicaid recipients who used tobacco cessation programs. in one state, the risk of heart attack hospitalization dropped by 46 percent, and the risk of hospitalization for other acute coronary heart disease diagnoses dropped by 49 percent. this dramatic decline was evident in the first year after use of the benefit. this medical savings from reduced hospitalizations for heart attacks in the first two years resulted in a net savings of $10.5 million, or a $3.07 return for every dollar. Additionally, smoking rates decreased 10 percent during this time period. The dramatic decline in heart attack hospitalizations for smokers who used the benefit is stunning and demonstrates the effectiveness of tobacco treatment coverage.
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of sickness and death in Missouri, and more than 9,500 Missouri residents die every year from its effects. Smoking is directly associated with $2.12 billion in excess health care costs in Missouri each year, including $532 million in Medicaid costs paid for by taxpayers. Only five states provide no tobacco cessation coverage for all Medicaid enrollees.
The results in other states clearly demonstrate that by making a comprehensive smoking cessation benefit available to Medicaid recipients, we can significantly reduce the number of expensive hospitalizations in Missouri. A comprehensive smoking cessation benefit will have a very positive overall health impact, help people lead healthier lives, lower health care costs and save taxpayer dollars, all at the same time.
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