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10 Years of State of Tobacco Control
In 2002 the American Lung Association released the very first State of Tobacco Control. The goal of this report was and still is to hold federal and state policymakers accountable for protecting Americans from the deadly and costly effects of tobacco use.
In a decade of tracking tobacco control policies, here are the trends we have seen:
Federal Government
FDA Regulations of Tobacco Products
For almost two decades, the public health community fought for FDA to have authority over tobacco products. Finally in 2009, Congress passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Since then, FDA has stopped the sales of candy flavored cigarettes and announced new graphic warning labels for cigarette packs.
Cessation: Helping Smokers Quit
In the past 10 years, the federal government has given more people access to tobacco cessation, or quit smoking, treatments through federal health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and the Federal Employees Health Benefit plan. In 2011, the federal government began providing a comprehensive tobacco cessation benefit to federal employees and their dependents. Prevention – including tobacco cessation – was also a major highlight of the Affordable Care Act.
Cigarette Tax
In 2002, the federal cigarette tax was 39 cents. Congress increased that tax in 2009 to $1.01 – which consequently increased the number of smokers nationwide who wanted to quit. Increasing the price of cigarettes also prevents kids from starting to smoke.
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
The United States signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004. This was the world’s first international treaty on tobacco control. Since then it has not been sent to the Senate for ratification. No change in this policy has occurred since this category was added to the report in 2004.
State Governments
Tobacco Prevention and Control Spending
When states first received funding through the Master Settlement Agreement, many used the funds for their intended purpose: tobacco prevention and control programs. Fast forward 10 years and with few exceptions, states have shamefully cut spending on these effective programs. In 2002, states were spending $752 million on tobacco prevention and control programs. Now they spend just $477 million, and 43 states and the District of Columbia fail in this category.
Smokefree Air
Prior to 2002, California was the only state with a statewide, comprehensive smokefree air law. In 2002, Delaware passed its law and since then, 25 more states plus the District of Columbia also passed these lifesaving laws. However, progress has slowed considerably over the past few years with no states passing smokefree air laws in 2011.
Cigarette Tax
At the start of 2002, the average cigarette excise tax was 45 cents per pack. Over the last 10 years, that average has increased to $1.46 per pack, with many states having much higher tax rates. Many state policymakers have realized that tobacco taxes not only bring much-needed revenue, but also prevent kids from starting to smoke. Special gold stars go to states that have dedicated some of these revenues to fund tobacco control and prevention programs.
Cessation Coverage
Insurance coverage of tobacco cessation, or quit smoking, treatments has improved in many states, as the demand for help with quitting has increased due to higher cigarette taxes and smokefree laws. Policymakers are beginning to realize that helping smokers quit is a life- and money-saving investment. Over the last few years, more states have started to take initial steps to help their smokers quit, but no state provides comprehensive coverage, as it should.
