Mar, 23, 2008
Backs state support to help smokers quit
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THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
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An estimated 7,600 adult smokers die each year in Washington state from smoking cigarettes. Each one who perishes is one more who could be saved with the help of smoking-cessation products. Additionally, while 17 percent of people in Washington smoke, the number of people on Medicaid who smoke is much higher at 39 percent.
Many smokers want to quit by themselves, but their attempts are often unsuccessful. Tobacco cessation products are very expensive and since people on Medicaid are already struggling with money, they don’t invest in those cessation products. With Medicaid coverage of these products, more smokers will take up the opportunity because it’s affordable.
A bill that will have Medicaid cover smoking-cessation products has successfully passed through the state Senate and House of Representatives with a lot of support. And funding was also included in the Senate-House compromise budget that passed on March 13. Now it just needs the governor’s signature, and I hope she will support this bill and the budget.
It is time to take action and help save the lives of smokers who want to live happier and healthier lives, and with the governor’s approval, we can make this happen.
Trevor Selnes
Bellingham
