Quit medicines
Quit medicines can help you stop smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco or nicotine products.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) includes the nicotine patch, gum, and lozenge, which are available without a prescription. An inhaler and nasal spray are also available with a prescription. NRT helps you with cravings by giving your body a small, steady amount of nicotine. You may be eligible for FREE NRT (patch, gum or lozenge) through 1-800-QUIT-NOW or through your insurance plan.
- Bupropion and varenicline (Chantix) are pills (non-nicotine medicines) that can help with cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider must prescribe these medicines.
If you have questions about how to take your NRT or prescription medicine, call your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Health insurance
Your health insurance should cover the cost of at least one prescription medicine for quitting tobacco or nicotine.
MassHealth covers all FDA-approved stop-smoking medicines for as many times as you need. Coaching services are also covered.
Call the member information number on your health insurance plan card to find out what products your plan covers, for how long, and if you will have to pay anything.
You may also want to find out if your health insurance covers one-on-one or group counseling/coaching support. Talk to your provider or call your health plan to find out. Ask about how many sessions are covered and if you will have to pay anything. Quit coaches through 1-800-QUIT-NOW are FREE.