Grade Summary: California

Tobacco Prevention Control and Spending

• FY2012 State Funding for Tobacco Control Programs: $70,016,000
• FY2012 Federal Funding for State Tobacco Control Programs: $15,004,191*
• FY2012 Total Funding for State Tobacco Control Programs: $85,020,191
• CDC Best Practices State Spending Recommendation: $441,900,000
• Percentage of CDC Recommended Level: 19.2%

*Includes regular funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as tobacco-related grants to states and communities from federal stimulus and health care reform funds.

Smokefree Air

Overview of State Smoking Restrictions

• Government Workplaces: Prohibited
• Private Workplaces: Restricted
• Schools: Prohibited (public schools only)
• Childcare Facilities: Prohibited
• Restaurants: Restricted
• Bars: Restricted
• Casinos/Gaming Establishments: Restricted (tribal establishments exempt)
• Retail Stores: Restricted
• Recreational/Cultural Facilities: Restricted
• Penalties: Yes
• Enforcement: Yes
• Preemption: No

Citation: CA LABOR CODE § 6404.5 (2007); CA GOVT. CODE §§ 7596 to 7598 (2007); CA EDUC. CODE §§ 48900 & 48901 (1986); & CA HEALTH & SAFETY CODE § 1596.795 (1993).

Cigarette Tax

• Tax rate per pack of 20: 87 cents

Cessation

Overview of State Cessation Coverage

State Medicaid Program:

• Medications: All health plans cover NRT Patch, Bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Chantix); coverage of other medications varies by health plan
• Counseling: All health plans cover individual counseling; coverage of group counseling varies by health plan
• Barriers to Coverage: Barriers to coverage vary by health plan*

State Employee Health Plan(s):

• Medications: All plans cover NRT Patch, NRT Nasal Spray, NRT Inhaler, Varenicline (Chantix) and Bupropion (Zyban); coverage of NRT Gum and NRT Lozenge varies by health plan
• Counseling: Coverage of counseling varies by health plan
• Barriers to Coverage: All plans have an annual limit on quit attempts and require co-payments; some plans have limits on duration and/or require use of counseling to get medications

State Quitline:

• Investment Per Smoker: $1.18; CDC recommends an investment of $10.53/smoker

Other Cessation Provisions:

• Private Insurance Mandate: No provision

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

*Barriers could include: Limits on duration, annual or lifetime limits on quit attempts, requiring prior authorization, requiring co-payments, requiring using one or more cessation treatments before using others and/or requiring the use of counseling to receive medications.