A recent survey from Forbes Health confirms that quitting smoking remains in the top ten of New Year’s resolutions for 2024. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases, impacting both physical and mental health. Recognizing the importance of addressing this public health concern, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is dedicated to assisting members in their quest to quit smoking and promoting overall well-being.
In this ongoing commitment to health and well-being, Louisiana Healthcare Connections reminds members of its comprehensive smoking cessation program aimed at supporting individuals in their journey towards a smoke-free life. The initiative includes a range of resources and rewards.
Key Program Features:
- Sharecare Craving to Quit® Program: Louisiana Healthcare Connections encourages members to take advantage of the Sharecare Craving to Quit program. This evidence-based program offers coaching calls, self-guided lessons, motivational text message support, and community engagement to aid individuals in their journey to quit smoking.
- Financial Incentives: To further motivate members, Louisiana Healthcare Connections provides a $10 reward for participants in the Craving to Quit® program. Additionally, members can earn a $25 My Health Pays smoking cessation reward upon successfully completing the program, providing a tangible acknowledgment of their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
- Covered Medications and Counseling Services: Louisiana Healthcare Connections covers medications and counseling services prescribed by network providers. Generic nicotine replacement products, including gum, lozenges, and patches, as well as Bupropion SR (Zyban), are among the covered medications. Counseling services, such as This is Quitting, motivational text message support, and hypnotherapy for quitting smoking, are also available.
- Provider Involvement: Members seeking smoking cessation support can obtain prescriptions for covered medications and counseling services from network providers, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach to quitting.
“Quitting tobacco, whether cigarettes, chew, or vapes, has tremendous health benefits,” notes Louisiana Healthcare Connections Chief Medical Officer Stewart T. Gordon, MD, FAAP. “This one decision can greatly reduce your risk for disease and early death. The main thing is to find a program that works for you and stick with it, as it may take several attempts to quit for good.”
