Legislation Proposed to Help Tobacco Users Quit During the Pandemic

A new bill, HR 7286 Quit Because of COVID-19 Act, has been introduced to the United States House of Representatives. Supported by the American Dental Association and other stakeholders, the legislation would require the federal government to pay 100% of all tobacco cessation programs covered by Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); cut the red tape surrounding access to tobacco cessation coverage, and institute a federal match of dollars to pay for state tobacco cessation outreach programs for individuals covered by Medicaid and CHIP. The coalition of supporters asserts that growing evidence demonstrates tobacco users are at increased risk for severe complications of COVID-19. The bill is currently with the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Read more here.