A Call For ACTTION

GOAL: Expand access to comprehensive tobacco cessation treatment to 50% of smokers by 2015, and 100% by 2020

At least 20 percent of the adult population in the U.S. smokes or uses some form of tobacco product.
Only one-third of adult smokers use proven treatments in their quit attempts.
Only 1 in 50 employers in the U.S. offer employees who smoke coverage for all evidence-based treatments proven to increase their chances of quitting. And 1 out of every 5 employers cover none of the effective treatments.
Medicaid coverage varies widely by state, with only one state providing coverage for all recommended treatments.
Medicare currently covers cessation counseling only for smokers who have a disease or an adverse health effect linked to tobacco use, or who are taking a therapeutic agent whose metabolism or dosing is affected by tobacco use.
Inadequate state and federal funding for quitlines across the country has resulted in widely variable access to treatment, with few offering comprehensive treatment (counseling and medication) to all tobacco users interested in receiving treatment.
When health benefits are provided, they are often not promoted, and tobacco users are generally unaware of such benefits.

If you would like to endorse this Call for ACTTION, please send a letter of support with your name, title and organization affiliation to .

Feb 05, 2010
HHS Secretary and CDC Director Discuss New Recovery Act Community Prevention and Wellness Groups
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Feb 05, 2010
A Smoke-Free World?
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Feb 05, 2010
State Preemption of Local Smoke-Free Laws in Government Work Sites, Private Work Sites, Restaurants
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Dec 16, 2009
Cessation Webcast Series
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National Working Group for ACTTION