Health Care Plan Reform for Treatment Coverage Equity  

What is the policy issue being studied? 

Health care plan reform in 2012 required comprehensive tobacco treatment coverage by Medi-Cal plans but not by other publicly covered health plans, despite public support for such a benefit and willingness to pay for it. California has had two failed bill attempts for mandating health plan coverage, with SB 576 in 2005 and AB 1738 in 2012. 

Who are the study partners? 

The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) is an agency in the California executive branch that manages pension and health benefits for more than 1.5 million public employees, retirees, and their families.  

What data are being generated? 

Data on tobacco cessation medication and counseling coverage are being reviewed across CalPERS health plans. Economic scenarios may be developed to assist with policy adoption

Policy Briefs

Project 4 Policy Brief CalPERS Coverage.pdf

CA Quits Together. Creating a Tobacco-Free Future www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/CTCB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Community/CessationServicesandResources/QuitPlan-All2.pdf