In efforts our Members and your Patients “Kick the Tobacco Habit”, we help through the BCBSNM Medicaid Tobacco Cessation Program. The program offers tools and education to help members quit tobacco products as well as ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems).
Medicaid provides full coverage for select medications and cessation aids. No prior authorization is required, only a prescription is needed initially, and with refills, for any of the following on the Medicaid formulary*.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Nicotine Transdermal System Patches
- Nicotine Polacrilex (Gum, Lozenge)
- Nicotrol Inhaler & Nasal Spray
- Oral non-nicotine pharmacotherapy - Bupropion SR (Zyban) and Varenicline (Chantix)
Should any Medicaid member express interest in the Tobacco Cessation Program, a licensed nurse will assist throughout the process with one-on-one coaching and resources (the licensed nurse provides support but does not prescribe medications or cessation aids). Those requesting prescriptions are directed to their healthcare providers.
We also suggest a prescription with discharge from the hospital for those members who are using a tobacco cessation aid while hospitalized.
*These benefits are specific to Medicaid recipients only.
Find more information about the Tobacco Cessation Program.