Quitting smoking can be hard. That's why there are nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and counseling sessions that can help. NRTs, such as the patch or gum, can double your chances of successfully quitting smoking, by reducing the withdrawal symptoms that come along with giving up cigarettes. Counseling can help you prepare for the difficulties you will face during the quitting process, by providing solutions and support. If you belong to New York State Medicaid or Medicare, they will pay for some of these treatments for you!
New York State Medicaid will cover all smoking cessation medications (NRTs as well as prescription medications). Each person can get two 90-day supplies of medication per year free, with only a small co-payment of $6 or less.
Medicare Part B covers smoking cessation counseling only among members who either have a disease such as coronary artery disease, hypertension or diabetes, or are taking medication that is negatively affected by tobacco use. Medicare will cover up to eight smoke/tobacco counseling sessions per 12-month period. Call Medicare for a complete list of conditions/medications.
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits covers smoking cessation medications when prescribed by a provider.
And remember: New York State Smoker's Quitline offers a free starter kit of Nicotene Patches, Gum or Lozenges, trained Quitline specialists offering help with quit plans, information about local stop smoking programs, and informational taped messages to all New Yorkers! Call: 1-866-NY-QUITS
8tr6675 July 6, 2011 - 11:26am
Ever since I was a little girl, i remember my dad smoked a lot, the only thing that made him actually stop smoking is the high price of cigarettes. Everyone would bother him on the street for a cigarette while he smoked so he got very annoyed by these people's action. I finally told him, "dad we gotta do something about your smoking". That was my first time that I introduced lozenges to my dad so he would quit smoking. He has not smoked already for about 1 year and 3 month. I am highly proud of him.
PS: If i would know that all these smoking cessation medications covered by New York State Medicaid , i would certainly used that opportunity for my dad, but i didn't know at that time.