This is the second of a 5 part series on "Women's Health". Thank you to
Lebanon Family Health Services for their assistance with this series.
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| Lebanon Family Health Services Ann Biser, Donna Williams, Kim Kreider Umble, Vicki DeLoatch |
In 2010 The Lebanon Family Health Services provided 1587
clients with tobacco cessation education and counseling sessions. Through the years, funding for such programs
has been a challenge. However, buried
deep within the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act we can find
that this will become a mainstream program provided for women’s health.
Under the essentialbenefits component of the PPACA, services that insurance companies are
now required to cover, there are provisions for preventive health. The preventive health element is further
broken down into four categories: (1) Evidence-Based Screenings and Counseling,
(2) Routine Immunizations, (3) Preventive Services for Children and Youth and
(4) Preventive Services for women. These
services are based on the recommendations for the Institute of Medicine and
will have no cost sharing on the part of the patient.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, women who
smoke during pregnancy are 2x more likely to experience premature rupture of
membranes, placental abruption and placenta previa. Additionally, it leads to their babies having
a 30% chance of being born prematurely and with a low birth weight. These babies are also up to 3x more likely to
die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
All together, this not only impacts quality of life for infants and
children, but racks up costly medical bills.
While a recent study found that only 24% of insurance plans
among insured people cover smoking cessation and counseling,[1]
research has shown that smoking cessation programs for pregnant women can save
as much as $6 for every $1 spent[2]. Given the fact that high risk populations,
such as the one served by the Lebanon Family Health Services, are more likely
to smoke during pregnancy, this provision would be an asset to their
institution.
According to Vickie DeLoatch, “When a prenatal patient comes
into our program and shares the challenge that she faces with tobacco
addiction, we always view it as an opportunity to effect a positive change. The
true appreciation that is expressed when they receive assistance is
gratifying. Help and support is sought
to become tobacco free and we can provide this support through the tobacco
cessation programs offered at Lebanon Family Health Services”.
The recently passed Patient Protection and Affordable care
act will comply with recommended strategies and policies put forth by the
Centers for Disease Control by offering pregnant smokers counseling and cessation
interventions from the first prenatal visit and throughout pregnancy.
[1] Partnership for Prevention, Insurance
Coverage of Clinical Preventive Services in Employer-sponsored Health
Plans: Preliminary Results of a
Partnership for Prevention/William M. Mercer National Survey, 2001. Washington, DC. Partnership for Prevention.
[2]
Marks JS, Koplan JP, Hogue CJR, Dalmat ME. A cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness
analysis of smoking cessation for pregnant women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 1990;6(5): 282-9.
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