This bulletin applies to NC Medicaid Managed Care Plans.
This bulletin is a revision of the following: Updated Tobacco-Related Policy Requirements Delayed until Jan. 1, 2027 to indefinitely postpone the effective date and/or implementation date of tobacco-free campus Policy Requirements in the NC Medicaid Managed Care and State-funded Service programs.
Based on the delay of Tobacco-free Policy Requirements, providers are not required to implement a tobacco-free campus by Jan. 1, 2027. The Department continues to encourage providers who serve NC Medicaid beneficiaries and State-funded Service recipients to voluntarily support efforts to reduce and/or eliminate tobacco exposure for patients being treated at their facility.
The Department initiated the Tobacco-free Campus Policy initiative to address secondhand smoke exposure, a well-documented danger to health. Tobacco-free environments and access to evidence-based tobacco cessation treatment bolsters support for patients who have quit using tobacco or who are working toward becoming tobacco free. The Department encourages providers to support patients in meeting their tobacco cessation goals by eliminating tobacco exposures on provider campuses and by connecting patients to proven and effective tobacco cessation treatment.
Significantly, individuals with mental health and substance use disorders are disproportionately impacted by tobacco-related illnesses. Providers can support patients’ physical and behavioral health by promoting tobacco-free campus and tobacco cessation efforts in locations where these individuals receive care.
To support the health and well-being of NC Medicaid beneficiaries and State-funded Service recipients, provider agencies are encouraged to voluntarily implement tobacco-free campus policies at relevant provider-controlled facilities and service locations where direct patient care occurs. Tobacco free policies have been shown to improve patient and workforce outcomes.
For additional information and implementation support, visit the Breathe Easy NC website.
Contact
NC Medicaid Managed Care Health Plans: Health Plan Contacts and Resources webpage.