There’s a new bill in the works in California, and it stands to force health insurance companies to cover programs that would help people who smoke to try and quit. Considering there are already bills that require California healthcare companies to cover things like in-vitro fertilization, and bone-density screening, it’s hard to believe that a bill such as SB 220 has taken this long to come to possible fruition.

Understanding the language of SB-220

There is much optimism that the bill will pass, complete with provisions for copays and OTC (Over-the-counter) medications such as nicotine gum and patches. It also includes provisions for group counseling, which is very effective for some individuals. The bill is designed to make it easier for Californians who smoke to kick the habit by making treatments available at little cost to those who wish to try.

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To add on to the worries of smokers developing cancer in the lung, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and other respiratory areas, there is the possibility of having alterations in their DNA as well. Studies have shown that when you smoke tobacco, you are at risk of getting tumors on your colon and MSI. MSI, or microsatellite instability, is when your genes are damaged; it also blocks the cells from being able to repair the DNA that were damaged, which can lead to cancer growths to proceed without interruption.

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