Smoking Cessation

The College became a smoke-free campus effective Jan. 17, 2017. This means that smoking is not allowed on any campus grounds or property. To assist employees who want to quit, we listed several programs, and a few earn wellness points.

Coaching and Support

The EX Plan

www.becomeanex.org

The EX Plan is a free program, one that can show you a whole new way to think about quitting. It’s based on personal experiences from ex-smokers, as well as the latest scientific research from the experts at Mayo Clinic.

www.smokefree.gov

Smokefree.gov provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.

Smokefree.gov allows you to choose the help that best fits your needs. You can get immediate assistance in the form of:

  • Information about a wide range of topics related to smoking and quitting
  • LiveHelp, the National Cancer Institute's instant messaging service
  • National Cancer Institute's telephone quitline: 1-877-44U-QUIT
  • Local and state telephone quitlines: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
  • SmokefreeTXT, the National Cancer Institute's text messaging service
  • Smokefree apps, quizzes and materials to download

Publications to Download, Print or Order

www.text2quit.com

  • Personalized tips delivered to your phone
  • Motivation, encouragement and support
  • Interactive text games and trackers
  • A 4-month subscription to text2quit costs $29.99. You will have access to the text messages, emails and web portal for four months. After that, you will have the option to renew your subscription to continue using the program. Text “QUIT” to I-QUIT (47848) to get started.

www.nicotine-anonymous.org

Nicotine Anonymous is a nonprofit 12-step fellowship of men and women helping each other live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using tobacco and nicotine products in any form. The Fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12 steps as adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous to achieve abstinence from nicotine.

Affordable Care Act Program

You are allowed two attempts to quit smoking with free medication, up to a 180-day supply within a 365-day period. Eligible medications must be prescribed by your physician and include generic or over-the-counter medication OR a brand name prescription, e.g. Chantix (Varenicline), Zyban (Bupropion/Wellbutrin), nicotine inhaler, or nicotine nasal spray, to help you stop smoking at no cost and with no copay.

For more details, contact our prescription plan carrier CVS / Caremark at 1-844-224-7948 or www.caremark.com. For TDD assistance, please call 1-800-863-5488.

Independence Blue Cross — Healthy Lifestyles Solutions Tobacco Cessation Program

The Healthy Lifestyles Solutions Tobacco Cessation Program will reimburse up to $150 for completing an approved tobacco cessation program. If you are 18 or older and your program costs less than $150, you can apply the difference toward reimbursement of nicotine replacement products or medications prescribed to help you quit. The Healthy Lifestyles Solutions program does not reimburse copays, coinsurance, deductibles, hypnosis, acupuncture, dietary supplements, injections or electronic cigarettes.

Blue Cross members are eligible for one reimbursement per program per calendar year.

Log onto ibx.com/reimbursements and submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of participation in an approved tobacco cessation program/certificate of completion
  • All program receipts and receipts for nicotine replacement products or medications prescribed to help you quit. You can request reimbursement by direct deposit or American Express Rewards card. American Express charges a fee of $4 plus 3 percent of reimbursement amount.

Eligible programs include those that focus on behavior modification and provide frequent and regular support, such as weekly meetings or telephone-based sessions. You can opt for an individual approach, or choose a program that offers group support. You can also choose a program offered by a network hospital.

Contact Healthy Lifestyles Solutions at 1-800-590-8880 for more information.