The popular line “better late than never” is very much applicable to those who want to quit smoking. There is no such thing as late when it comes to quitting smoking and improving your health. If you have been a smoker for many years and want to quit now, you should know that Medicare can cover up to four sessions twice a year. At the same time, during the sessions a councilor will be assigned to work with you.
It is only in smoking where quitter always wins. For those who are reluctant to quit, thinking that they would not be able to do it on their own, having Medicare is one of the best solutions there is. More or less, the cost will be paid, considering if a person has a health condition that is related or caused by smoking. Medicare can cover up to 80% of the total cost of the sessions. Read on to know more about Medicare and how it can help you quit smoking.
How much do I have to pay?
If a person has not been diagnosed with any illness caused or have been made complicated by tobacco use, there is no need for the person to pay for the counselling sessions. On the other hand, if a person has been diagnosed to have a smoking-related illness, he needs to pay the original Part B deductible and 20% of the Medicare approved amount for the counseling sessions.
How much do I have to pay if I have a Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Part C) this would cover all the preventive services that is the same as the original Medicare. Basically, the plan is not allowed to charge any cost-sharing fee such as deductibles and coinsurances for preventive services. If there are providers that are not included in the plan’s network, charges will be applied. Review the summary benefits of your Medicare Advantage plan to more about the costs associated with the plans’ out of network coverage.
How about the prescription drugs?
Medicare can also pay for the prescription drugs to help a person quit smoking through the part D which is prescription drug benefit. On the other hand, it will not be covering gums, nicotine patches, and other over the counter treatments. Hypnosis is also not included.
Why Quit?
- Heart rate and blood pressure drops within 20 minutes
- Lesser cough and easier breathing within 9 months.
- Carbon monoxide in the blood drops to normal within 12 hours
- Improvement in lung function and blood circulation within 3 months
And so many more benefits.
In reality, only the people at tobacco companies want you to keep on smoking. Those who care about you definitely want you live a better and longer life. Quitting smoking is never impossible, although it might be difficult for some, but it can happen. And with the help of Medicare things can be a lot easier and the burden lighter for those who want to stop smoking.