HIP Quit Smoking Program
HIP's Quit Smoking Program is available at no cost to all members age 18 and over, except those enrolled in a Medicaid or Family Health Plus plan. It is offered as a telephone-based program with the support of a smoking cessation specialist.
To register, call 1-866-611-QUIT (1-866-611-7848) / TDD 1-866-228-4327, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Medicaid and Family Health Plus members should call the New York State Quit Line at 1-866-NY QUITS (1-866-697-8487)
For information on HIP's coverage for smoking cessation medications, click here.
Full Coverage for Three Smoking Cessation Medications
Choosing a medication and working with a smoking cessation specialist to help you quit should significantly increase your chances of quitting, as well as reduce your withdrawal symptoms.
Many people find drug therapy to be a helpful support during their smoking cessation program. You may want to choose the Nicotine Patch, Nicotine Gum, or Nicotine Lozenge. These Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT's) may be used in combination with either bupropion (generic Zyban®) or Chantix®. After joining the HIP Quit Smoking Program, you will be eligible to obtain coverage for the following medications:
- Nicotine Patch, Gum, or Lozenge: The Nicotine Patch, Gum or Lozenge can be sent directly to you upon request. Once you register for the HIP Quit Smoking Program you will be eligible to receive coverage for these medications.
- Bupropion (generic Zyban) and Chantix are prescription products. You need to visit your PCP to discuss whether bupropion (generic Zyban) or Chantix is right for you. If it is, your PCP will give you a prescription. Please note that you will be covered for bupropion (generic Zyban) or Chantix as long as you are enrolled in the HIP Quit Smoking Program. This means you may be able to obtain the medication at no cost to you.
- What is Zyban®?
Zyban also known as bupropion SR and Wellbutrin SR, is a prescription medication that can help to ease withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Bupropion SR is also used to treat depression. However, you do not have to be depressed to take bupropion SR for smoking cessation. Bupropion SR is started while you are still smoking, with your quit-smoking date set for a week later. - What is Chantix®?
Chantix is a prescription medication that can help adults stop smoking. You can start taking Chantix one week (7 days) before your quit smoking date. You can continue smoking during this time. Most people will keep taking Chantix for up to 12 weeks. If you have completely quit smoking by 12 weeks, ask your doctor if another 12 weeks of treatment may help you stay quit.
Speak with your PCP and find out which smoking cessation medication is right for you. You may also contact a Quit Smoking Specialist from the HIP Quit Smoking Program to discuss your medication options. The program can be reached at 1-866-611-7848 / TDD 1-866-228-4327.
Help is available for your patients who want to quit smoking.
New York State Smoker's Quitline
The New York State Department of Health runs a toll-free quit line (1-866-NY-QUITS [1-866-697-8487] or 311 for N.Y.C. residents) that offers two telephonic counseling sessions. If the individual is eligible for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), a two-week supply of nicotine patches is mailed out promptly. For eligible Medicaid and uninsured patients, up to a six-week supply of NRT and up to four telephonic cessation counseling sessions are available. Progress reports regarding tobacco use are faxed to the patient's health care practitioner. The Quitline provides access to information about local smoking cessation programs offered through community-based organizations.
Patients who are ready to quit can call the Quitline or complete the Fax-to-Quit referral form with their practitioner. The doctor faxes the completed form to the N.Y.S. Smoker's Quitline, and the patient will get a call back. Click the "Fax-to-Quit Referral Form" link below to download a referral form, or visit www.nysmokefree.com.
