Quit Tobacco Series Fact Sheets #12: Access to Medications

The United States government has directed all insurers that provide coverage via the Health Insurance Marketplace to cover evidence-based treatments to help patients to quit tobacco use. Visit www.HealthCare.gov.

• There is no “magic pill” to quit smoking. But medications can help. 
• Medication and coaching can improve your chances of quitting.
• If you qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, BadgerCarePlus or SeniorCare, these programs cover some medications to help you quit.
• If you don’t qualify for any of these, see below. There are programs that may help.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

• WHAT: This program will help you learn whether you’re eligible for help to pay for prescription medications. 
• MORE INFORMATION: Call 888-4PPA-NOW or log on to www.pparx.org.  In a few minutes, pparx.org will help you determine if you’re eligible for programs like Connection to Care, Bridges to Access, Together RX Access and more.

Connection to Care Program (Pfizer)

• WHAT: This program offers discounts on Varenicline, Nicotrol Inhaler and Nasal Spray.  In some cases, medications are free.
• TO QUALIFY: You must be an uninsured U.S. resident. www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com has an interactive site to help you determine your eligibility.
• HOW TO GET STARTED: Talk to your doctor to complete an application together.
• HOW TO GET YOUR MEDICATIONS: Pfizer will ship a three-month supply of medications to your doctor's office for pickup. You must apply for each refill. 
• MORE INFORMATION: Call 866-776-3700.

Bridges to Access Program (GlaxoSmithKline)

• WHAT: This program may help to cover the cost of Zyban and Buproprion SR. 
• TO QUALIFY: To qualify for Bridges To Access, patients must:
• Live in the United States or Puerto Rico.
• Have no prescription drug benefits through any insurer/payer/program.
• Not be eligible for Medicaid or Puerto Rico’s Government Health Plan Mi Salud
• Have gross monthly household income at or below requirements listed at https://www.bridgestoaccess.com/enrollment/eligibility.html
• To find out if you qualify, call 866-GSK-FOR-U (866-475-3678)
• HOW TO GET STARTED: To enroll by phone, fax, or mail, visit https://www.bridgestoaccess.com/enrollment/enrollment.html
• MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.bridgestoaccess.gsk.com

Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line

• Free coaching. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). 
• Free 2-week supply of medications.
• Callers are 4 times more likely to quit than trying on their own.
• Available to any Wisconsin resident regardless of insurance coverage or income level.