| Smoking Cessation | HIP Quit Smoking Program | Know Quitting Cigarettes |
| Preparing To Quit | Quit Tips From the American Cancer Society | Setting a Quit Date |
[ Back ]
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.
GOOD NEWS!!!
Medicaid, Family Health Plus (FHP) and Child Health Plus Members
You do not need a subsidy because you have coverage for most medications including the nicotine patch, bupropion (generic Zyban), and Chantix. Coverage includes an original 30-day supply with up to two refills, for a total 90-day supply. Medicaid covers these medications for Medicaid and FHP members as long as they are written by your HIP network doctor and filled at a pharmacy that accepts your Medicaid card. Medicaid and FHP members who would like to join a smoking cessation program should call the New York State Quit Line at 1-866-NY QUITS (1-866-697-8487).
HIP covers these medications for Child Health Plus members. You can fill prescriptions written by your HIP network doctor at a HIP network pharmacy.
HIP will reimburse eligible members for any copayments made for these medications upon request. In order to be reimbursed for a copayment, you must complete a Copayment Reimbursement Form and mail it back to HIP along with the actual receipt for your prescription. A Copayment Reimbursement Form is included in the HIP Quit Smoking Program Quit Kit.
