Adults with Disabilities

About 37 million U.S. adults have a disability, meaning that they have serious problems with walking or climbing stairs; hearing; seeing; or concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

Adults with disabilities are more likely to smoke cigarettes than those without disabilities. About 15.1 % of U.S. adults were current cigarette smokers in 2014. Cigarette smoking was significantly higher among those who reported having any disability (21.5%) compared with those who reported having no disability (13.8%).

If you smoke, you are at increased risk for a smoking-related illness and death. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

Studies show that giving people access to programs to help people quit can reduce rates of tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases and death.

To get started right now, see the CDC I’m Ready to Quit! area, featuring a Quit Guide and an additional Quitting Resources page.

You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Quitline coaches can answer questions, help you develop a quit plan, and provide support.

Quit-smoking treatments may be free or reduced in price through insurance, health plans, or clinics. State Medicaid programs cover quit-smoking treatments. While the coverage varies by state, all states cover some treatments for at least some Medicaid enrollees.

Medicare currently covers two quit attempts per year and up to four face-to-face counseling sessions per attempt.

The following are additional resources for adults with disabilities.

• Healthy Living
• Disability Inclusion

All information provided from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.