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| Smoking Cessation Counseling |
Question:
Is it true that medicare will now start covering counseling as part of a smoking cessation program?
Answer:
Medicare will cover counseling only
when it is provided by a doctor, nurse or other person trained in
Smoking Cessation techniques
There are two elements to smoking addiction -- the craving for nicotine
and the habit -- and both must be addressed to increase the chances of
successfully quitting. Nicotine replacement therapy, can help satisfy the body's physical need for nicotine and help smokers focus on breaking their smoking habit
using the tools, counseling and support available.
Not every Medicare beneficiary qualifies for the new benefit - only
those who have an illness caused by tobacco use or complicated by
tobacco use. It covers only counseling sessions, not the cost of nicotine patches
and gum or products pitched to help smokers quit.
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