The price for medication to help you quit smoking can sometimes be as much or more than the cost of cigarettes. Don’t let this stop you from trying. There are resources available to help with the cost of medications. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of the nicotine and non-nicotine medications. If they do not cover the cost of medication, do not despair. Ask the pharmacy to request a prior authorization (a form your medical provider fills out) and the insurance company will sometimes make an exception. You can also request an appeal. If you do not have medical insurance try the national tobacco quit line 1-800-QUIT-NOW. It differs state to state, but some states are able to supply some medications. All states will provide some counseling as well. Click here to find out the resources that are available. The medication manufacturers (e.g., Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline) have patient assistance programs. Contact the specific manufacturer to see if you would be eligible.
It sometimes takes a little work to be able to get the medications to help you stop smoking. It is worth it because after you quit smoking you have the money you would have been spending on cigarettes.
Dr. Richard D. Hurt is an internationally recognized expert on tobacco dependence. A native of Murray, Kentucky, he joined Mayo Clinic in 1976 and is now a Professor of Medicine at its College of Medicine. In 1988, he founded the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and since then its staff has treated over 33,000 patients for tobacco dependence. Send your questions directly to Dr. Hurt at AskTheExpert@becomeanex.org
