Smoking: Medicaid Benefits - NYC Health

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Smoking and Vaping: Medicaid Benefits

Medicaid covers treatment for smoking and vaping:

Unlimited quit counseling.

All seven tobacco-treatment medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Five nicotine medications: the patch, gum, lozenge, spray and inhaler

Two non-nicotine pills: bupropion SR (Zyban® or Wellbutrin®) and varenicline (Chantix®)

Using two nicotine medications at the same time. This is safe for most people, and can be even more helpful in reducing cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.

Medicaid does not limit the number of prescriptions covered, no matter how long you need help managing cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

If you need to find health insurance that can cover your treatment, Health Department enrollment counselors can help you sign up for low- or no-cost health insurance, including Medicaid.

Talk with your health care provider to decide which treatment might be right for you.

Resources for Providers

Note the following updates regarding smoking cessation counseling coverage through Medicaid:

Counseling expansion effective August 1, 2020, for FFS and November 1, 2020 for HMO: All medically necessary cessation counseling sessions are covered, with no maximum.

Expanded list of billable providers effective April 1,2021: The list of billable healthcare providers now includes CP, LCSW, LMSW, RN, LPN providers in addition to MD, DO, PA, NP, LMW/CNM, DMD, DDS, and dental hygienists.

To ensure medication coverage by Medicaid:

Write prescriptions for up to a 30-day supply, with refills as appropriate.

The daily quantity should not exceed the labeled maximum daily dose for that medication.

Pharmacy Guidance: Age Requirements for FDA-Approved Smoking Cessation Medications (PDF)

Other Languages: Español | 中文 | 简体中文 | Русский | 한국어 | العربية

The NYS and NYC Health Commissioners' Letter to Providers (PDF)

Smoking Cessation Medication Prescribing Chart, Instructions and FAQ (PDF)

New York State (NYS) Smoking Cessation Counseling Information and Billing Codes (PDF)

Billing Guide for Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Screening and Counseling for New York State (PDF)

Additional Information and Resources for Healthcare Providers

More Information

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