Some basics of the new mandated regulations re: tobacco treatment  that, in theory, become law at the end of this week.

Health insurers are mandated to offer NRT, Chantix, Zyban or other approved  treatments as well as 8- 30 minute treatment sessions for the insured who have prescription drug coverage in their plan(s).  Co-payments or deductibles may be involved.

BUT IF THEIR PLAN HAS NO RX.  COVERAGE, the insurer is not required to offer NRT but they must provide the counseling sessions.

Certain plans are NOT mandated to offer any treatment services:

• Self-insured plans
• Hospital confinement indemnity
• Disability income
• Accident only
• Longterm care
• Medicare supplement
• Limited benefit health
• Specified disease indemnity
• Sickness or bodily injury policies
• Other limited benefit policies

Those seeking treatment who are not qualified as above may still receive some treatment based on their individual plan and should call their insurer for specific guidelines.

Great idea for keeping people on the stop smoking aids which some people can not afford and yet the healthcare helps keep those future bigger bills for CANCER AND HEART DISEASE AT BAY for both individuals, families and health insurers as well as death costs for those afflicted.

Take advantage and ask as many do not even know it exists including the insurers.

There are also non insured available programs available to stop this EXPENSIVE and Deadly habit.