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Private and public policies have a profound impact on a pregnant smoker’s ability to quit smoking and remain tobacco free. There are a number of policy activities that organizations can take to assist pregnant smokers in their quit attempt, including helping to ensure coverage of cessation treatments under private or public benefit packages, and encouraging the allocation of tobacco tax revenues or funds from the Master Settlement Agreement or through the annual appropriations process for prevention and cessation programs. Most pregnant smokers want to quit but think they cannot afford the services that would help them most, or they do not have access to any locally available, evidence-based services that can help them quit.

Though states and businesses are making tough decisions on services to balance their budgets, providing prevention and cessation coverage for pregnant smokers has been proven cost effective. For every dollar invested in tobacco treatment during pregnancy, up to $3 in short-term medical costs can be saved. Raising state tobacco taxes is another strategy available to help pregnant smokers quit. Studies show that a 55 cents per pack tax hike can reduce smoking prevalence by 22 percent for pregnant smokers.

Government agencies, businesses, advocacy organizations and others have multiple options to develop and support programs and policies to improve the health of women and their families.

Medicaid
One-quarter to one-half of all pregnant women receives their health insurance coverage through Medicaid... >MORE