Eliminating Tobacco Disparities Health Disparities Council July 16, 2012

State of Lung Disease in Diverse Communities Compared to White smokers, Black smokers were: 70% less likely to be asked by a doctor about their tobacco use 72% less likely to be advised to quit

Cost of Tobacco Use 9,000 adults die every year in MA from tobacco use. For every person who dies from a smoking-related disease, 20 people suffer from a smoking-related illness. We spend over $4.3 billion a year treating tobacco- related illnesses in Massachusetts. That represents 10% of our state’s health care costs.

Community Awareness: Rhode Island Point of Purchase/Retail Advertising: Increases current smokers’ consumption May reduce current smokers’ resolve to quit Encourages former smokers to resume their habit Encourages youth smoking initiation

Minority Pop = 70.1% -95.4% Minority Pop = 7.5% - 20% Minority Pop = 20% - 50% South Side/West Side Population = 38,718 Area = 2.83 sq. mi. East Side Population = 34,580 Area = 4.27 sq mi 36 Vendors 27 Outdoor Ads 66 Vendors 153 Outdoor Ads Providence, RI

Community Awareness: New York City Youth-led walking tours in all 5 boroughs of NYC Highlighted tobacco ads that target the community Engaged decision makers

“Eye level is buy level.” - British American Tobacco

Community Awareness: Massachusetts

Policy Solutions: Local Permitting Packaging Point of Purchase/Retail Advertising Expanding Products Covered Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products

Tobacco Free Pharmacies 38 communities in Massachusetts have passed policies including: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell Cover 32.2% of state population (over 2 million people) State legislation filed by Chairwoman Susan Fargo and Representative Sean Garballey

Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Funding Tax policy Access to tobacco cessation treatments Smokefree laws Policy Solutions: State

tlement/massachusetts Massachusetts Tobacco Revenue vs. Spending

The number of packs sold in Massachusetts decreased 59% from FY92 to FY10. State excise tax revenue from cigarettes increased 6% annually. Increase Price, Decrease Consumption

Other Tobacco Products Tax Loophole State Cigarette tax = $2.51 per pack Lower tax rate on kid-friendly, non-cigarette tobacco products Legislation filed by Representative Hecht to close this loophole.

Source: MA Department of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Helping Smokers Quit

Smoking Cessation Treatments Comprehensive insurance coverage of 7 FDA- approved medications & counseling options Expanding MassHealth cessation benefit to Group Insurance Commission and Commonwealth Care plans would save $1.4 million in Year 1 and $7.4 million by Year 5.

Going Smokefree Protecting our 2004 Smokefree Workplace Law Institutions – Academic, Health Care Public & Private Housing Outdoor spaces Cars

Policy Solutions: Federal Cessation Coverage Affordable Care Act Federal Employees & Department of Defense FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products Graphic Warning Labels Ban on flavored cigarettes (Menthol TBD)

Engaging Policy Partners Across the Health Sector Education Elder Affairs Housing Veterans

Questions? Katie King Director, Public Policy (781) 314 – 9011