Full Citation
Title: The effect of cigarette and e-cigarette taxes on prescriptions for smoking cessation medications
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2022
ISBN:
ISSN: 1475-6773
DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14088
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID: 36271500
Abstract: Objective: To test the effect of cigarette and e-cigarette taxes on prescriptions for smoking cessation medications. Data Source: Symphony Health, IDV all-payer prescription claims data for the United States over the period 2009-2017. Prescription fills for smoking cessation products were provided at the patient's age, patient's sex, brand/generic, payment type, year, and quarter levels. Study Design: We study the effect of state-level cigarette and e-cigarette tax rates on prescriptions for smoking cessation medications using two-way fixed effect modified difference-indifferences regressions. We also use a multiperiod difference-indifferences estimator robust to bias from dynamic and heterogeneous treatment effects with a staggered policy rollout. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: We use fills for Chantix, Zyban, and their generics, as well as Food and Drug Administration-approved nicotine replacement therapies that are paid for by insurance. Principal Findings: We observe no statistically significant change in prescription fills following an increase in the e-cigarette tax rate, though we are unable to rule out potentially large effects. However, following a $1.00 increase in the cigarette tax rate, we observe a 1052 increase in prescription fills per 100,000 adults (95% CI: 57, 2046; 4.2% increase). The effect of cigarette taxes on prescription fills was particularly large for 18-34 year-olds. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, during a period when e-cigarettes are widely available, cigarette tax increases remain effective in increasing use of these medications , but e-cigarette taxes do not increase use of these medications.
Url: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1475-6773.14088
User Submitted?: No
Authors: Maclean, Johanna Catherine; Khan, Tamkeen; Stavros, Tsipas
Periodical (Full): Health Services Research
Issue:
Volume:
Pages: 1-11
Data Collections: IPUMS CPS
Topics: Health
Countries: