Medi-Cal Helps Beneficiaries Kick Smoking Habit

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Hundreds of thousands of Californians who want to kick their tobacco habits have a new tool to help them do so.

"Every year, 75% of smokers say they want to quit and at the end of the year about 6% succeed," said Serena Chen with the American Lung Association in California, which has launched a new campaign aimed at Medi-Cal beneficiaries who smoke - specifically, to let them know about enhanced benefits.

"Up to 12 weeks of non-nicotine prescription medications with no break between them. And up to 14 weeks of non-prescription medication per course of therapy," outlined Chen.

And, those on cessation medications can receive two courses of therapy every 12 months without a 6-month break between courses - that break used to be mandatory.

KCBS' Jeff Bell Reports:

Chen said Medi-Cal is also broadening access to counseling services.

"Quitting is a lot easier with help so with the counseling and the medication combined, that doubles your chances of being successful," Chen suggested.

Funding for the Lung Association's campaign was provided by Pfizer

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