This is an expectation for all of our caregivers and we believe it will make a significant impact. Given the downstream consequences of smoking, helping our patients to quit may be the most effective preventive health action we can take. The guidelines also present evidence that tobacco dependence treatments are as cost-effective as other interventions for chronic disease and should be covered by health insurance plans. The state of Wisconsin Group Insurance Board this spring approved the addition of a smoking cessation program to the benefits package offered by all participating HMOs and PPOs to state employees and others covered under the plan. The change is effective January 1, 2001.
Coverage includes medications available by prescription only.
The UW Health clinics initiative on smoking is expected to be fully operational in late summer.