MASSHEALTH TOBACCO CESSATION SERVICES
MassHealth has started to roll-out its new two-year pilot Tobacco Cessation benefit for all MassHealth members. The previous draft of the regulations complied with an earlier legislative directive to limit this benefit to pregnant women and mothers with a child under the age of three. The amendments in the previous draft were to become effective no earlier than June 1, 2006. It is anticipated that these amendments will not go into effect before July 1, 2006.
The Benefit covers:
Counseling Services
- Two treatments/quit attempts per year
- 16 sessions per year, any combination individual or group
Pharmacotherapy Services
- MassHealth covers two treatment regimens per member, per twelve month cycle using any combination of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) including patches, lozenges, gum, and Bupropion (brand name Zyban)
- Prior authorization is required for additional Pharmacotherapy A treatment regimen includes a 90 day supply of NRT and/or Bupropion without prior authorization Nicotine nasal spray and inhaler require prior authorization
These are draft regulations, subject to change. All persons desiring to submit data, views, or arguments concerning these proposed actions may submit them in writing to the Medicaid Director, EOHHS, One Ashburton Place, Room 1109, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, or e-mail them to masshealthpublicnotice@state.ma.us. E-mailed comments should contain the sender’s name, mailing address, and organization or affiliation, if any. Comments will be accepted through June 9, 2006.
05/06