Mississippi

FY 2010 Tobacco Control Program Funding:
$12,504,566*

CDC Best Practice Rate: $39,200,000

*Includes FY2010 funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Overview of State Smoking Restrictions:
Government Workplaces: Restricted
Private Workplaces: No provision
Schools: Prohibited (public schools only)
Childcare Facilities: No provision
Restaurants: No provision
Bars: No provision
Casinos/Gaming Establishments: No provision
Retail Stores: No provision
Recreational/Cultural Facilities: No provision
Penalties: Yes
Enforcement: Yes
Preemption: No

Citation: MS CODE ANN. § 29-5-161 & 97-32-29

* The Smokefree Air grade only examines state tobacco control law and does not reflect local smokefree ordinances. Mississippi has made great strides at protecting people from secondhand smoke by passing strong local smokefree ordinances.

Tax rate per pack of 20: 68 cents*

*On May 15, 2009, the cigarette tax increased from $0.18 to $0.68 per pack.

Overview of State Cessation Coverage:

State Medicaid Program:
Medications: Covers all 7 recommended cessation medications*
Counseling: Covers group and individual counseling for pregnant women only
Barriers to Coverage: Minimal co-payments required

State Employee Health Plan(s):
Medications: Covers NRT Nasal Spray, NRT Inhaler, Chantix and Zyban
Counseling: Covers online counseling
Barriers to Coverage: Prior authorization, co-payments and combination therapy required

Other Cessation Provisions:
Private Insurance Mandate: No provision

Citation: See Mississippi Tobacco Cessation Coverage page for specific sources.

*The 7 recommended cessation medications are: NRT Gum, NRT Patch, NRT Nasal spray, NRT inhaler, NRT lozenge, Chantix and Zyban