THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

38

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

SENATE  RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES to collect data and report how counseling coverage could be provided to all Medicaid beneficiaries wishing to quit smoking.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, smoking remains a major health issue for Hawaii’s people, responsible each year for more than 1,200 deaths with an annual health care cost of $336,000,000 with $117,000,000 covered by Hawaii’s Medicaid program; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Health reports that 17.5 percent of adults and nearly 14.7 percent of all high school students in Hawaii smoke cigarettes; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control reports that Hawaii taxpayers spend $101,840,000 per year in health care costs for the nearly 74,000 women addicted to smoking in the state; and

 

     WHEREAS, although the smoking rate among pregnant women in Hawaii is relatively low at seven percent, this risky behavior still impacts the lives of 1,200 babies every year; and

 

     WHEREAS, there are significantly higher costs related to increased neonatal care for infants affected by smoking; and

 

     WHEREAS, though the monetary costs are extremely high, the quality of life costs are even higher; and

 

     WHEREAS, while the pain and suffering of an unborn child or an infant due to exposure to tobacco smoke is difficult to assess, there is no disputing its unacceptability; and

 

     WHEREAS, 38 states have Medicaid programs that cover some tobacco-dependence treatment such as counseling or medication for all Medicaid recipients, and only seven states cover all recommended medication and at least one from of counseling as recommended by the 2000 Public Health Service Guidelines; and

 

     WHEREAS, to achieve the 2010 national health objective states, including Hawaii, should offer or increase Medicaid coverage for treatment of tobacco dependences; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Human Services (DHS), is responsible for administering Hawaii’s Medicaid program; and

 

     WHEREAS, pending the passage of appropriate legislation, DHS should consider the provision of smoking-cessation counseling services to all Medicaid beneficiaries especially women of childbearing age who have become addicted to smoking; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that DHS is requested to collect data and report how counseling coverage could be provided to all Medicaid beneficiaries wishing to quit smoking; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DHS is requested to submit a report no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2009, including their findings and any proposed legislation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Director of Human Services.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Smoking; Medicaid Covered Counseling