Medicaid Coverage- Quit Smoking

Medicaid can help you to stop smoking

Why use stop smoking medications?

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) are stop smoking medications that come in many forms, such us the nicotine patch and nicotine gum (see chart below).
Using NRT increases your chances of quitting smoking successfully.
A non-nicotine pill has also been shown to help you quit, it is sold as Bupropion, Wellbutrin, an Zyban, and is also covered by Medicaid.

Medicaid Coverage at-a-glance

If you have a spend-down, the spend-down must be met before Medicaid will cover stop smoking products.
You are allowed a course of stop smoking therapy twice a year. A course is up to a 90- day supply (original order & 2 refills, even if less than a 30 day supply is dispensed in any fill)

How to use your Medicaid benefits

Talk with your healthcare provider. your provider and/or pharmacist can help you decide which product(s) are right for you.
Get a prescription. Your provider must write a prescription even for ever-the counter nicotine replacement products.

Medication	Pros	Cons
Nicotine Gum	Easy to control dose Can help prevent overeating Gives extra help for difficult moments	May be hard to use with dentures Need to use correctly Some users do not like the taste
Nicotine Lozenge	Helps keep mouth busy Easy to control dose	Not currently covered by NYS medicaid
Nicotine Spray	Fast relief for heavy smokers Easy to adjust dose	My cause nasal irritation at first
Nicotine Inhaler	Helps keep hands and mouth busy Easy to adjust dose Could help prevent overeating	Might not be enough for heavy smokers May Attract attention
Zyban (Bupropion)	Easy to use Noticeable reduction in urges to smoke Helps prevent relapses and weight gain In some cases, may be used with patch	Might disrupt sleep cause headaches or dry mouth Seizure risk in some users

Speak to your doctor or Pharmacist about which stop smoking medication is right for you.

Question about Medicaid coverage for NRT or Zyban can be answered by New York State Office of Medicaid Management at 518-486-3209

You can also contact these agencies for more information:

The American Lung Association at: 1-800-586-4872 or visit their web site: www.alaneny.org

The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition at: 518-233-1106 or visit their web site: www.smokefreecapital.org

The New York State Smokers Quitline: 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit: www.nysmokefree.com

* Content based on " Medicaid Can Help You Stop Smoking" provided by the Adirondack Tobacco Free Network