The CDC estimates that “smoking-related illness in the United States costs more than $300 billion each year.” There is no question that IQOS and other heat-not-burn technologies have the potential to vastly lower this toll. The World Health Organization explains that “tobacco and poverty are inextricably linked.” Thus, the people who have the greatest need for access to reduced risk tobacco technologies have the least ability to afford such devices. Would it not be a prudent investment in America’s future for Medicaid to provide coverage for IQOS and other HNB products that have the potential to reduce the prevalence of smoking-related diseases?
Should Medicaid Cover IQOS?
Mar 12