Tobacco use prevalence in Kentucky is one of the highest in the nation. Medicaid beneficiaries use tobacco at higher rates than the general population, increasing negative health outcomes and cost. Evidence-based tobacco treatment benefits including counseling and medications are fully covered by Medicaid in Kentucky, however these treatments are underutilized.

This Policy Brief describes current training and tobacco treatment practices among Medicaid providers, from the perspective of a random sample of practice managers. Strategies are recommended to address the training needs of providers in Kentucky and enhance tobacco treatment practices. These recommendations are supported by findings from our research study surveying practice managers who serve Medicaid recipients.