Tobacco report praises new minimum age for sales, but outlines other failures

The American Lung Association’s newest “State of Tobacco Control” report gives the federal government an equal number of low and top grades for steps limiting access to tobacco. Here’s more:

• Top grades: The ALA awarded the government an “A” for passing legislation that raised the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. 
• Room for improvement: The government earned an “F” for failing to significantly raise taxes on tobacco products, a measure that’s been shown to be a use deterrent. There are still barriers — such as copays and lack of Medicaid coverage — for those wishing to access cessation treatment. 
• State-level grades: California, Washington, D.C., Maine, New York, and Vermont earned the best grades overall. Most states and D.C. received a failing grade for inadequate funding for tobacco prevention programs.