QuitWorks Nicotine Patch Services
Seven first-line FDA-approved medications QuitWorks Offers FREE Nicotine Patches Insurance coverage for medications and other services
Strong evidence shows that the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, or varenicline approximately double long-term quit rates. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update recommends that providers encourage all patients attempting to quit smoking to use medications. Exceptions include medical contraindications or special populations for which there is insufficient evidence of effectiveness (i.e., pregnant women, smokeless tobacco users, light smokers, and adolescents).
The combination of counseling and medications is more effective than either alone. By referring patients to QuitWorks and prescribing medications, providers can help patients achieve long-term success when quitting smoking.
Seven first-line FDA-approved medications
QuitWorks’ Quick Guide to Pharmacotherapy provides information about dosing and treatment duration for each of the seven FDA-approved medications. Pharmacotherapy pocket cards can be obtained through the QuitWorks materials order form.
QuitWorks Offers FREE Nicotine Patches
In addition to counseling, the Smoker’s Helpline offers patients a free 2-week starter kit of nicotine patches. Patients must first complete the intake assessment and answer several screening questions. Funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will permit this service to continue through the end of 2011.
Eligibility criteria:
- Smoking 10 cigarettes or more and want to quit
- Age 18 and older
- Already quit, using the patch, and need additional dosage
- Not using any other form of tobacco
Contraindications:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant in the next 2 months
- Recent heart attack or chest pains
- Currently using Zyban or Wellbutrin or Chantix
- Allergy to adhesives
Nicotine patches are offered in 7, 14, and 21mg dosages and are shipped to patients’ home address by UPS. Signed delivery verification is not required. Also included in the quit kit are instructions on how to use the nicotine patch and other helpful quit smoking information.
Insurance coverage for medications and other services
QuitWorks counseling services are free. Many health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other health insurance plans may help cover the cost of medications or other quit smoking assistance programs. Some plans have more comprehensive coverage than others.
Public health plans, including MassHealth and Commonwealth Care, can help patients quit smoking. Most private health plans, which include plans from employers, also have quit-smoking benefits.
Health plan coverage often changes, so patients should call the customer information phone number listed on the back of their health plan card to learn about the benefits their plan includes. Patients should make sure to ask, even if they are not sure they will use everything. Patients should know what the options are in case they change their mind.
