Did you know getting help to quit smoking is a Medi-Cal Benefit?

Tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals; hundreds are harmful, and about 70 can cause cancer. Smoking increases the risk for serious health problems, many diseases, and death. People who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk for disease and early death. Although the health benefits are greater for people who stop at earlier ages, there are benefits at any age. You are never too old to quit.

Tobacco Cessation Services

You can get help to quit smoking or stop using tobacco. Services include two quit attempts per year for non-pregnant adults of any age. During each quit attempt, you receive:

• 90 days of FDA-approved tobacco cessation medicines on SFHP’s formulary such as nicotine replacement therapy and other medications to lessen tobacco cravings
• 4 sessions of individual, group, or telephone counseling that are each at least 10 minutes long

If you are pregnant and use tobacco or are exposed to tobacco smoke, services and counseling are available to you. Talk to your PCP about whether tobacco cessation medicines are right for you. You can call the free California Smokers’ Helpline at 1(800) NO-BUTTS (1(800) 662-8887). The helpline offers self-help materials, referrals to local programs, and one-on-one counseling to quit smoking. The helpline also provides specialized services for teens, pregnant members, and tobacco chewers. Services are available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese. The Helpline also provides specialized services for teens, pregnant women, and tobacco chewers.