Quit Help and Information

The nicotine in cigarettes, vapor products, and other tobacco products is highly addictive. Visit Nicotine is Why Tobacco Products are Addictive for more information.

Quitting tobacco and nicotine can be hard but help from your health care provider can help you quit for good.1 Medicaid, Medicare, and other health insurance plans cover treatment from your health care provider, including brief counseling and FDA-approved medications that help you manage symptoms from nicotine withdrawal. Talk to your health care provider about treatment that might be right for you.

Quit Assistance for People Enrolled in Medicaid

Medicaid pays for quit-smoking treatment delivered by your health care provider.

Medicaid covers quit counseling and all seven smoking cessation medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

  • five nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) – patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray
  • two non-nicotine oral medications (pills) – bupropion SR (brand names Zyban or Wellbutrin) and varenicline (brand name Chantix)

Medicaid and some health plans cover the use of two medications at once (combination therapy), which is safe for most people.2 Using two medications as prescribed by your provider can be more helpful in reducing cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.2

Medicaid pays for over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges with a fiscal order (like a prescription) from your provider. Because it may take you more than one try to quit, Medicaid covers repeated treatment by your provider.

Visit New York State Medicaid for information on applying for NY Medicaid and for information for Medicaid Members.

Medicaid members can find information on quit medications at NYRx Information for Medicaid Members.

The New York State Quitline

The New York State Quitline provides information, printed materials, and expert quit coaching by phone, text, or online chat. Eligible New Yorkers who smoke cigarettes or vape tobacco or nicotine can also receive free starter kits of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Call, text, or visit the free and confidential New York State Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487), text (716) 926-4422, or visit online at https://www.nysmokefree.com/ to chat and for information and support in breaking free from tobacco and nicotine. To enroll in confidential texting programs which include weekly guidance for skill building, text QUITNOW (English) or DéJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888, or visit DropTheVape.org.

For more help and information on quitting smoking:

Drop The Vape – Text-Based Quit Vaping Program for Youth and Young Adults

DropTheVape is a free, confidential text program tailored for young people and young adults. It's a great resource for people of any age seeking help to quit vaping and other nicotine and tobacco products. DropTheVape is all about realistic goals and building on your strengths. You will learn ways to cope, grow, and take control at your own pace. Sign up for texts by visiting DropTheVape.org.

  • For more information on quitting vaping, visit Quit Vaping.

    • To order or download Drop the Vape promotional materials in English, visit the DropTheVape Publication Page, locate the order form at the top of the page, choose which publications you wish to order and then submit your completed order form to bmcc@health.ny.gov.

    Smoking Cessation Education Posters to Download

    Reference:

    1. Fiore MC, Jaén CR, Baker TB, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Public Health Service. April 2009.
    2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips From Former Smokers®. Five New Ways to Quit With Medicines. Last Reviewed: November 28, 2022.