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HHS to offer tobacco cessation to Medicare patients
Physician Practice Advisor, December 29, 2004
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will soon offer coverage for tobacco cessation counseling to some Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, coverage will be available to beneficiaries currently smoking and diagnosed with a tobacco-related illness.
"People who quit smoking, regardless of age, live longer than those who continue to smoke," said John R. Seffrin, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, in a Dec. 23, 2004, press release. "Today's announcement is a step in the right direction and we look forward to reviewing it in full. Quitting is hard, but counseling is a proven means of helping smokers succeed. It's cost effective and can double the chances of success."
For most tobacco users, smoking is as addictive a habit as cocaine or amphetamine use. Repeated attempts, multiple approaches, and ongoing support are essential to quitting for good. Counseling, by telephone or in individual or group-support settings, is among the most effective means of helping smokers quit. Nicotine-replacement therapy such as the patch or gum and certain prescription drugs are also effective tools. Physician intervention is another important means of encouraging smokers to quit.
"We appreciate the continued commitment of Secretary Thompson and Administrator McClellan to this issue," added Seffrin. "In the new year we are eager to work with HHS and Congress to eventually expand this coverage so that all Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who smoke and want to quit get the help and support they need."
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