According to an August 2010 memo, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have expanded the circumstances under which it covers tobacco cessation counseling. Previously, the cessation counseling was covered only if the patient had a condition related to tobacco use or was taking a medication that would be affected by tobacco use. The expanded coverage now includes cessation counseling for outpatient and hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries:
- Who use tobacco, regardless of whether the patient has signs or symptoms of tobacco related disease
- Who are competent and alert at the time that counseling is provided
- Whose counseling is furnished by a qualified physician or other Medicare-recognized practitioner
In addition, CMS will now cover 2 individual tobacco cessation counseling attempts per year, and each attempt may include a maximum of 4 sessions, for a total annual benefit of 8 sessions per year. The expanded coverage goes into effect January 1, 2011. Click here for a downloadable file of the original memo.
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Behavioral Health Advisory Forum Report on Quitline Callers with MH/SUD
The Quitline Behavioral Health Advisory Forum (BHAF) was created by quitlines, behavioral health providers, and tobacco cessation organizations interested in how quitlines might best serve the needs of callers with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health and/or addictions. The BHAF has issued a background report on the role of quitlines in serving callers with mental health and addictions issues. The report covers pragmatic suggestions for screening, treatment, staff training, evaluation, research, and community referrals for callers with behavioral health issues.
On November 18, 2010 there will be a free webinar co-hosted by the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) and SCLC to unveil the report. Here's the link to download the full text of the report, http://smokingcessationleadership.ucsf.edu/Publications.htm.
The report includes optional screening questions on mental health and substance use for use by quitlines across the nation. The wording of the questions will evolve after further discussion and revision; these questions are a starting point only. The suggested behavioral health screening questions that were submitted to the NAQC are:
- Do you have any mental health issues or emotional challenges, such as an anxiety disorder, depression disorder, bipolar disorder, alcohol/drug abuse, or schizophrenia?
- Do you believe that these mental health issues or emotional challenges will interfere with your ability to quit?
If you have questions about the report, contact Dr. Chad Morris, Associate Professor, Director, Behavioral Health & Wellness Program, University of Colorado Denver, Department of Psychiatry.
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LA County Launches Pioneers for Smoking Cessation
The Los Angeles County Health Department was awarded a $32 million grant to address smoking cessation and physical activity. As part of this campaign, LA County, in conjunction with SCLC, has launched the 75 Pioneers for Smoking Cessation which is modeled on the SAMSHA 100 Pioneers for Smoking Cessation campaign. SCLC is providing individualized technical assistance; including webinars and site visits for the LA Pioneers to ensure systems are in place implement smoke-free policies and cessation programs at each agency.
Phase one of LA's campaign has 31 community agencies that expand the scope of the Pioneers to include HIV and AIDS treatment centers. The next phase of the LA Pioneers will incorporate organizations that serve homeless people.
The grant is part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Funds from the initiative will be used to improve nutrition, increase physical activity and reduce smoking in schools, cities and neighborhoods throughout LA County. These health behaviors are major factors in the chronic diseases, such heart disease and diabetes, which are the leading causes of death in LA County.
"This funding represents a tremendous opportunity to address the health behaviors that cause these chronic diseases, thereby promoting health and preventing illness and its catastrophic impacts" said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. If you have any questions about the LA Pioneers, please contact Christine Cheng at the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center.
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Massachusetts Rapid Reduction in Prevalence
Massachusetts smoking cessation program could serve as a national model for how to decrease smoking prevalence. The state's 10% reduction in smoking prevalence over a 2 year period was due to expanded tobacco cessation coverage for counseling and medication, a multi- media campaign, and increased access to treatment for Medicaid recipients. The new benefit covered all FDA approved cessation medications, individual and group counseling. The smoking rate among low-income Massachusetts residents fell 10%, from 38% in 2006 to about 28% in 2008. Hospital visits for heart attacks and emergency-room visits for asthma attacks also declined.
Further Reading:
Paying for Smoking Cessation Coverage Makes Sense and Saves Cents
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