I'm a smoker trying to quit. What smoking cessation benefits does Medicare offer for someone in my situation?
Answered by 13 licensed agents
Medicare Part B covers a variety of preventive services, and smoking cessation counseling is included.
Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans may cover prescription medications or nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays that require a prescription.
Answered by Diana Garner on April 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by Robert Pennington on April 15, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, GA, SC & VA
Smoking Cessation Counseling: Medicare Part B: Covers counseling to help you quit smoking, including individual counseling, group counseling, & phone counseling.
Coverage: Medicare covers up to eight counseling sessions within a 12-month period.
No Cost to You: If your doctor or other Medicare-approved provider accepts Medicare assignment, you generally won't pay anything for these counseling sessions.
Part B deductible: The Part B deductible does not apply to these counseling sessions.
Smoking Cessation Medications: Medicare Part D: Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) can cover prescription medications to help with quitting smoking, such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban).
Coverage varies: The specific medications covered by your Part D plan will vary.
Over-the-counter drugs: Over-the-counter smoking cessation aids like nicotine patches or gum are generally excluded from Part D coverage.
Additional Benefits: Annual Prevention Visit: Many Medicare Advantage plans include an annual prevention visit, which may include tobacco cessation counseling. Reclassification after quitting: Some insurance plans may allow you to reclassify into a nonsmoker rate category after quitting for a period of time.
Where to Find More Information: Medicare.gov: The official Medicare website provides detailed information about smoking cessation coverage. Your Health Plan: Contact your Medicare Part B or Part D provider for specifics on your plan's coverage. Medigap: If you have Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance, it may offer additional coverage for smoking cessation benefits.
To ensure you're maximizing your coverage, it's recommended to: Verify your provider accepts Medicare assignment. Confirm your Part D plan covers the specific medications. Utilize the counseling sessions. Consider group counseling.
Answered by Fred Manas on May 20, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Gary Henderson on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states
Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 10, 2025
Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states
Answered by Deborah Webster on April 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in Ia & SC
However, there are some limits to those programs. Usually two cessation programs a year are covered, with four visits per session, a total of eight per year!
Answered by Ross Landon on May 3, 2025
Agent Licensed in UT
psychologist, and they can be part of either.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan) covers certain medications to help with smoking cessation, like:
Nicotine gum or patches
Prescription medications (e.g., Zyban, Chantix)
Answered by Jennifer Dixon on June 2, 2025
Agent Licensed in GA & TN
Answered by Carl-Daniel Cole on May 21, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, AL, AR & 23 other states
What is the cost? If the provider accepts Medicare: $0 (no copay, no deductible)
Prescription medications to help you quit (like Chantix, bupropion, or nicotine patches/gum**) are usually covered under Medicare Part D. Coverage and cost depend on your specific plan’s formulary (drug list) also on whether the medication is generic or preferred. Name-brand medication copays depend on paying a deductible.
Tracy's tip: Call MedWiseTrust first. Or call your Part D plan (phone number on the back of your member ID card). Or log on to your online account, see what’s covered, and the copay.
MedWiseTrust - Preventive Visit Tie-In. Bring up quitting smoking at your free “Welcome to Medicare” or Annual Wellness Visit—they’re required to assess your tobacco use and help you make a quit plan.
Bottom line. You’re entitled to a personalized quitting plan including free counseling sessions, and, mostly, low-cost meds. (Depends on your Part D coverage). Medicare has your back.
Answered by Tracy Brown on April 13, 2025
Broker Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 32 other states
Answered by Samuel Deter on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in MO, AR, GA, KS, SD & TX
Answered by Danielle Moody on April 10, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Vincent Gatewood on April 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in NC, FL, GA, MO & TX
Tags: Advice for Seniors Coverage Medicare Part B
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