A new report from Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield says the prevalence of smoking is higher for adults in Upstate New York than the state as a whole or nationally.
The report says almost 21-percent of Upstate adults smoke, compared to just over 16-percent statewide and 18-percent across the U.S.
New York smoking rates peak in the age group between 25 and 34. Smoking is more common in adults who don't have a high school diploma and who have incomes below $15,000.
But those who want to quit smoking have more help now, according to Dr. Jamie Kerr, a vice president at Excellus.
"With the Affordable Care Act and the provisions that are targeted towards preventive services, smoking cessation is a preventive service which really available under most plans and doesn't have a co-pay associated with it."
The Finger Lakes region had the lowest Upstate adult smoking rate at 18.1 percent. The Western New York region was the highest at 22.7 percent