American Lung Association gives Connecticut mixed grades in tobacco ‘report card’ - What the Health? - Connecticut News

American Lung Association gives Connecticut mixed grades in tobacco ‘report card’ - What the Health? - Connecticut News

Most states, including Connecticut, scored at least one “F” on their report card. States were graded on four main areas: tobacco prevention and control spending, smokefree air initiatives, cigarette taxes and smoking cessation coverage. The good news in Connecticut is that the state got an “A” on its cigarette taxes, which, last year, went to $3.40 per pack — the third highest rate in the country.

However, the state did poorly in other areas, scoring a “C” in smokefree air and “F”s in cessation coverage and tobacco prevention and control spending. The ALA admitted that, despite its failing grade, Connecticut has made some progress in cessation coverage, as Gov. Dannel Malloy included comprehensive smoking cessation coverage for Medicaid recipients in the state’s budget. As of Jan. 1, any adult receiving Medicaid is eligible to receive over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies and prescription smoking cessation medications.

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