Paul Sanchez
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, and it can also positively impact your finances. In addition to the cost of buying cigarettes, smoking causes higher insurance premiums and medical complications that are expensive to treat. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you quit smoking, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is one of them. The Be smoke-free program provides covered members with up to 90 days of tobacco cessation therapy, including support from the Tobacco Quitline, medication, and nicotine replacement therapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to lower insurance rates after quitting smoking | 12-24 months |
| Health benefits | Reduced risk of lung disease, cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions |
| Other benefits | Improved sense of smell, better breath, whiter teeth, improved taste buds, healthier work environment, increased productivity, lower healthcare costs |
| Resources to help quit smoking | The New York State Smokers' Quitline, Blue Cross & Blue Shield's "Be smoke-free" Program, Blue Cross & Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program, National Cancer Institute's free helpline, American Cancer Society's website, American Lung Association |
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What You'll Learn
Seek support from the Tobacco Quitline
If you're looking for support to stop smoking, the Tobacco Quitline is a valuable resource. The service is designed to help smokers quit and stay smoke-free, with a range of tools and techniques. The Quitline offers free and confidential coaching over the phone, providing a similar level of support to stop-smoking classes or doctor-led programmes.
The coaches are trained to help people quit smoking and often have personal experience with the habit themselves. They will ask about your previous attempts to quit and offer suggestions on the best way forward for you. They can also provide encouragement, support, and practical tips to help you through the process.
One of the key benefits of the Quitline is that it can help you access quit-smoking medications. Coaches can direct you to resources and community programs that provide these medications, and they may even be able to send an initial supply to your home for free. This can be a great way to get the support you need to quit smoking, especially if you are unable to access other services or prefer a more discreet approach.
To access the service, simply call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. This line is available across the United States, and coaching is offered in several languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese. There are also state-specific services, such as the Texas Tobacco Quitline, which you can enroll in online, and the New York State Smokers' Quitline, which can be reached at 1-866-NY-QUITS.
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Visit a be smoke-free Network Provider
If you're a Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) member who's looking to quit smoking, one of the first steps you can take is to visit a be smoke-free network provider. These providers can offer support and resources to help you quit smoking and improve your health.
The first step is to select the "Quit Tobacco" goal with Daily Habits and complete the introductory questions to get started. Daily Habits can help you identify and manage common triggers, such as stress, certain foods, and emotions. It can also help you develop a personalized Quit Plan to reach your health goals. Tracking your activities and identifying your triggers can be an important part of your journey to becoming tobacco-free.
You can also talk to your doctor about medications that can aid you in quitting smoking. Certain smoking cessation medications may be available at no charge through the Tobacco Cessation Incentive Program. This program provides tobacco cessation drugs, including over-the-counter (OTC) products, at no cost. However, to receive benefits for OTC smoking cessation drugs, you must have a physician's prescription, which you can then fill at an in-network retail pharmacy.
Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other federal laws require most health insurance plans in the U.S. to cover some level of tobacco cessation treatments. These can include cessation medications such as nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhalers, bupropion, and varenicline. Federal guidance also defines tobacco cessation as a preventive service, which includes four sessions of individual, group, and phone counseling.
By visiting a be smoke-free network provider and taking advantage of the resources and support available, you can increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking and improving your health.
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Get medication and nicotine replacement therapy
Medication and nicotine replacement therapy can be an effective way to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides your body with nicotine without the other harmful chemicals in tobacco. NRT can come in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers, or lozenges. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five forms of NRT, including two pills: bupropion and varenicline. These medications can help reduce cravings and other nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to speak to a healthcare professional before starting any NRT, as there may be potential health risks involved. For example, if you have had a heart attack recently, have a heart rhythm problem, or experience chest pain, you should consult your doctor before using NRT.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other federal laws require most health insurance plans in the US to cover some level of tobacco cessation treatments, including NRT. This means that your insurance plan may cover the cost of NRT products, such as patches and gum. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to confirm which treatments are covered.
In addition to NRT, there are other medications that can help you quit smoking. These may include prescription medicines such as bupropion and varenicline, which are approved by the FDA. These medications can help reduce your urge to smoke and ease withdrawal symptoms.
Combining NRT with counseling or other support can further increase your chances of successfully quitting. It may take several attempts to quit smoking, but with the right support and treatment, many people do succeed.
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Ask your doctor about cessation medications
If you're looking to lower your BCBS insurance rates after quitting smoking, asking your doctor about cessation medications is a great step. Here's some detailed information on what that entails.
Cessation medications can help you manage your nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit smoking for good. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other federal laws mandate that most health insurance plans in the U.S. cover some level of tobacco cessation treatments, including medications.
When you decide to quit smoking, your health begins to improve within the first 20 minutes. However, it can take several attempts to quit before you achieve long-term success. Getting the right support is crucial, and that's where cessation medications can help.
There are several types of cessation medications available, and your doctor can help you determine which one is right for you. Here are some options to consider:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): This therapy helps satisfy your body's urge for nicotine without exposing you to the hundreds of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. NRTs come in various forms, including patches, gum, lozenges, oral inhalers, and nasal sprays. They are readily available over the counter and are effective when used in combination (e.g., using a patch and gum simultaneously).
- Bupropion: Bupropion is a pill that affects your brain chemistry to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It's particularly effective in mimicking some of the effects of nicotine on the brain, reducing your urge to smoke.
- Varenicline: This is another pill option that works by reducing the pleasure you get from nicotine in cigarettes, making it easier to resist smoking.
Remember, it's important to consult your doctor before starting any cessation medication, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 18. They can provide personalized advice and help you choose the most suitable treatment option.
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Access educational classes and programs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program (FEP) offers support to help you quit smoking, including access to educational classes and programs. These programs can provide you with the tools and knowledge to become tobacco-free and improve your overall health.
The FEP website provides information on various resources and local programs that can support you in quitting smoking. One such resource is the “Be Smoke-Free” program, which offers covered members a comprehensive approach to quitting. This program includes:
- Up to 90 days of tobacco cessation therapy.
- Support from the Tobacco Quitline.
- Visits with a "Be Smoke-Free" Network Provider.
- Medication and/or nicotine replacement therapy.
Additionally, FEP recommends visiting websites such as BeTobaccoFree.gov and Smokefree.gov, which offer valuable information and support for your journey to becoming tobacco-free. These websites provide access to U.S. government information on tobacco-related topics and can help address both your immediate and long-term needs during the quitting process.
The American Lung Association is also mentioned as a valuable resource, offering smoking cessation programs and various options to help you quit smoking for good. Their website includes a wealth of information and resources to support your journey towards better health.
By taking advantage of these educational classes and programs, you can increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking and improving your overall health and well-being. Remember, it may take multiple attempts to quit, but with persistence and the right support, you can achieve your goal of becoming tobacco-free.
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Frequently asked questions
You can lower your insurance rates by being tobacco-free for at least a year.
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, it takes 12 to 24 months to be eligible for lower insurance rates.
Quitting smoking has immediate health benefits. Your breath smells better, teeth become whiter, food tastes better, and your sense of smell returns to normal. In the long term, quitting smoking reduces your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Talk to your doctor about medications, local programs, and resources that can help you quit smoking. You can also call the National Cancer Institute's free helpline or visit websites such as BeTobaccoFree.gov and Smokefree.gov for information and support.
