Quit Smoking

Want help with quitting the use of tobacco products and smoking? Medicaid members who are age 18 and over can get the help they need free of charge!

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Coverage & Plan

Most Iowa Medicaid members are enrolled in the Iowa Health Link managed care program. This program gives you health coverage through a Managed Care Organization (MCO) that you get to choose.

Some Medicaid members, however, will continue to receive Medicaid coverage through a Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) program. 

The smoking cessation program is available to both Iowa Health Link and Medicaid FFS members.

Iowa Health Link Members

IA Health Link members wishing to learn more about available smoking cessation services will need to contact their chosen MCO directly for further information. MCOs are required to cover, at a minimum, all of the services that Iowa Medicaid FFS covers. 

However, each MCO may offer additional services or use different organizations to assist their members. Please reach out to your MCO today.

Medicaid FFS Members

Members receiving benefits through Medicaid FFS can use the resources on this page on how to quit and stop using tobacco products. In addition, you'll have benefits and access to:

  • Support over the phone through Quitline Iowa
  • Nicotine replacement therapy such as patches and gum
  • Some prescription drugs may be covered such as Chantix
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Help to Quit Smoking

  • Call the toll free tobacco cessation helpline at: 1-800-784-8669, between 8 a.m. and midnight
  • Make an appointment with your healthcare provider. You and your provider will work together to decide the best plan for you.
    • If your provider chooses Chantix, the over the counter nicotine replacement patches or gum, you will be required to actively participate in counseling with Quitline Iowa.
    • You will be asked to complete a prior authorization at your providers office for nicotine replacement therapies and/or prescription drugs. Your provider will then fax this form to Quitline Iowa.
    • Quitline Iowa will contact you to gather information and will enroll you in the Quitline Iowa counseling program. Your prior authorization request will then be sent to Iowa Medicaid for approval of your medication.
    • Once Iowa Medicaid has approved the prior authorization, you may pick up your medication at your pharmacy.
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Resources

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