It is important to measure levels of chronic disease to determine whether or not there is progress in curing or preventing these diseases or in slowing the course of the disease. The authors suggest that results indicate the rates of chronic disability may be on the decline due to the educational status of the over-65 population and their ability to moderate risk factors. In addition, improvements may arise from better health care for the elderly and improved medical technologies. Miller, Leonard S., et al. State Estimates of Medicaid Expenditures Attributable to Cigarette Smoking, Fiscal Year 1993.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable mortality in the United States.
Cigarette-related deaths are approximately 430,000 annually. Current litigation between the state Attorneys General and the tobacco industry is expected to bring money into state coffers to help with smoking-related health care costs. This article estimates state Medicaid expenditures attributable to smoking for the 1993 fiscal year. Rates range from state to state depending on the prevalence of smoking. Ryden, Muriel B., et al.