Synopsis for May 30, 2003

The MMWR is embargoed until Noon ET, Thursdays.

1. Projected Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms Among Persons Aged > 65 Years -- United States, 2005-2030
2. Update: Cardiac-Related Events During the Civilian Smallpox Vaccination Program -- Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events Monitoring and Response System, United States, 2003
3. State Medicaid Coverage for Tobacco-Dependence Treatments -- United States, 1994-2001
4. Update: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- United States, May 28, 2003

Synopsis for May 30, 2003

Projected Prevalence of Self-Reported Arthritis or Chronic Joint Symptoms Among Persons Aged > 65 Years -- United States, 2005-2030

Even if arthritis rates remain stable, the number of persons over age 65 with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms will nearly double to 41.1 million by 2030.

Nonfatal but disabling conditions like arthritis will be of growing importance among older adults as the U.S. population ages over the next few decades. Arthritis or chronic joint symptoms already comprise the leading cause of disability in the United States, and affect nearly 60% of those aged 65 and older. With adults in general living longer, predicting the arthritis prevalence arthritis is important to understanding and dealing with its future impact. Applying the 2001 gender-specific rates of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms to Census projections for the population 65 and older suggest that the number of affected older adults will nearly double to 41.1 million by 2030.

Update: Cardiac-Related Events During the Civilian Smallpox Vaccination Program -- Smallpox Vaccine Adverse Events Monitoring and Response System, United States, 2003

No summary available.

State Medicaid Coverage for Tobacco-Dependence Treatments -- United States, 1994-2001

Reducing the cost of tobacco-dependence treatments will increase both the use of treatment by smokers attempting to quit and the number of smokers who successfully quit.

The Public Health Service (PHS) Clinical Practice Guideline supports expanded insurance coverage for tobacco-dependence treatments. One of the national health objectives for 2010 is to increase insurance coverage of evidence-based treatment for nicotine dependency in Medicaid programs in the 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC). In 2000, approximately 32 million low-income persons in the United States received their health insurance coverage through Medicaid; 11.5 million (36%) of these persons smoked. All states and DC were re-surveyed in 2001 about amount and type of coverage, and level of coverage since 1996. This report summarizes the results of the survey, which indicate that the number of Medicaid programs providing some coverage for counseling or medication increased from 34 in 2000 to 36 in 2001. However, only one state offered coverage for all the counseling and pharmacotherapy treatments recommended by the PHS guidelines.

Update: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome -- United States, May 28, 2003

No summary available.

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