BCBSNC Increases Supply Limit for Smoking Cessation Drugs

In an effort to improve its service to members seeking smoking cessation assistance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has increased the benefit supply limit for prescription drugs used to help smokers quit from 90 days supply over a 12-month period to 180 days supply over the same time frame. The 180-day supply is offered as a “treatment episode”, to which members are only limited one per year and two per lifetime.

Effective June 13, 2007, the prescription smoking cessation drugs that are affected by the benefit limit include: Chantix, Zyban, Bupropion (generic equivalent to Zyban), and all prescription nicotine replacement products (including Nicotrol inhalers, Nicotrol NS nasal spray, and some prescription generic nicotine transdermal patches. Over-the-counter nicotine products (such as Habitrol, Nicotrol patches, and most other nicotine patches, as well as Nicorette gum, Commit lozenges and others) are NOT covered by the prescription benefit.

The change in supply limit was initiated due to recent findings that some individuals may require the use of smoking cessation drugs for up to six months in order to remain a non-smoker.

For members looking for other resources to help with smoking cessation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers a Tobacco Free Program through the BCBSNC Member Health Partnerships. For more information on this program, click here.

Employers can also use the attached customizable article to advertise the smoking cessation options available to employees. A series of posters are also available that describe five ways that individuals can stop smoking. To obtain electronic copies of these posters, please contact Chip Bremer at cbremer@hcwbenefits.com.

Should you have any additional questions regarding the supply limit changes or any BCBSNC smoking cessation program, please contact our office at 919-403-1986.

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September 5, 2007

Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services

194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
Fax: 919.913.0237

www.hcwbenefits.com