American Lung Association in Kentucky Praises Passage and Signing of Important Kentucky Legislation

LOUISVILLE KY (03/22/2017) (readMedia)-- Thanks to Governor Matt Bevin's signature on Senate Bill 89 on Tuesday, health plans in Kentucky will be providing a wider range of options to help Kentuckians kick the tobacco habit.

"Senate Bill 89 has become law, providing Kentuckians crucial help they can use to quit smoking. The new law, which requires health plans to cover a comprehensive quit-smoking benefit is a victory for public health and the people of Kentucky," said Barry Gottschalk, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Midland States, in response to the passage and signing of Senate Bill 89:

"Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States; in Kentucky, smoking is responsible for over 8,800 deaths each year. Additionally, smoking has an annual economic cost of over $1.9 billion in Kentucky. With the passage of today's bill, Kentuckians who smoke will be able to get the treatment they need to help them quit through their health plan.

"Quitting smoking is hard – it often takes 8-11 times for a person to quit and stay quit for good. This legislation is critical as it recognizes the importance of needing a comprehensive benefit- all seven medications and three forms of counseling, so providers and patients can work together to find the best treatment for each patient.

"The American Lung Association in Kentucky applauds the legislature and the Bevin Administration for creating this important law that will save both lives and money."

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