American Lung Association calls for action, IL grades remain mostly the same since 2020
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Illinois, but the American Lung Association (ALA) said there are some direct actions that officials across the state can take.
The ALA released their annual State of Tobacco Control report that grades federal and state policies with a goal to reduce tobacco use and save lives. As part of the report, the ALA calls for three specific actions to be taken by elected officials in Illinois to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke:
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Increase funding for state tobacco control programs
Allocate all Juul settlement funds to tobacco prevention
Ensure tax parity between other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigarettes
While Illinois has made progress in reducing tobacco use overall, the ALA said there is still work to be done in increasing funding for prevention.
One area the state did the worst in was 'Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding.' Illinois received an F grade, largely because they are at less than 10% of CDC recommended funding levels.
Overall Grade
F
FY2025 State Funding for Tobacco Control Programs:
$10,250,000
FY2025 Federal Funding for State Tobacco Control Programs:
$2,241,976*
FY2025 Total Funding for State Tobacco Control Programs:
$12,491,976
CDC Best Practices State Spending Recommendation:
$136,700,000
Percentage of CDC Recommended Level:
9.1%
State Tobacco-Related Revenue:
$964,900,000
The state also received an F grade for 'Flavored Tobacco Products.' At this time, Illinois does not have any state law or regulations on flavored tobacco products.
Illinois also earned a subpar grade in the 'Tobacco Taxes' category. Illinois was given a C for it's tobacco taxes, but it was above the middle of the pack. 36 states received either a D or an F.
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Overall Grade
C
Cigarette Tax per pack of 20:
$2.98
Tax on little cigars:
Equalized: Yes; Weight-Based: No
Tax on large cigars:
Equalized: No; Weight-Based: No
Tax on smokeless tobacco:
Equalized: No; Weight-Based: Yes
Tax on pipe/RYO tobacco:
Equalized: No; Weight-Based: No
Tax on E-Cigarettes:
Equalized: No; Weight-Based: No
Illinois did, however, receive two A grades. One was in the category of 'Smokefree Air,' the other was in the category of 'Access to Cessation Services.'
According to the ALA, Illinois provides comprehensive coverage for all tobacco cessation medications and types of counseling to Medicaid enrollees with minimal barriers.
Overall Grade
A
State Medicaid Program:
Medications:
All 7 medications are covered
Counseling:
All 3 forms of counseling are covered
Barriers to Coverage:
Some barriers exist to access care
Medicaid Expansion:
Yes
State Employee Health Plan(s):
Medications:
Most medications are covered
Counseling:
Some counseling is covered
Barriers to Coverage:
Some barriers exist to access care
State Quitline:
Investment Per Smoker:
$5.01; the median investment per smoker is $2.26
Other Cessation Provisions:
Private Insurance Mandate:
Yes
Tobacco Surcharge:
No prohibition or limitation on tobacco surcharges
Illinois received an A in 'Smokefree Air.'
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Overall Grade
A
Government Workplaces:
Prohibited
Private Workplaces:
Prohibited
Schools:
Prohibited
Childcare Facilities:
Prohibited
Restaurants:
Prohibited
Bars:
Prohibited
Casinos/Gaming Establishments:
Prohibited
Retail Stores:
Prohibited
E-Cigarettes Included:
Yes
Preemption/Local Opt-Out:
No
The historical data shows that Illinois has not improved in any of the categories since 2020, except for a slight improvement from a B to an A, in access to cessation services from 2023 to 2024. Otherwise, grades in the other four categories have remained the same for the last five years.
For more information about the ALA's findings in Illinois, visit their website. You can also compare Illinois' results to other states here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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