Notice to Active State & Non State Employees -
How to complete the 2010 tobacco cessation program for the health insurance premium discount:
Click here for complete details.
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Notice to Direct Bill Members -
How to complete the 2010 tobacco cessation program for the health insurance premium discount:
Click here for complete details. |
Notice to New Hires (hired through Oct. 1, 2010) -
How to complete the 2010 tobacco cessation program for the health insurance premium discount:
Click here for complete details. |
The State of Kansas tobacco cessation incentive program for a discounted insurance premium is available to active State employees,
active Non State group employees and retired employees in Health Plans A or B. Employees and eligible retirees must sign up for the incentive during open enrollment. New hires may sign up for the incentive during their election period for health insurance coverage. |
Tobacco cessation coaching through the Quit For Life program is available to all eligible members, but only active employees and retired employees in Health Plans A or B are eligible for the
health insurance premium discount.
What is the Quit For Life® Program?
Quit For Life is the nation’s leading tobacco cessation program that has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit tobacco. The program integrates free medication, web-based learning and confidential phone-based support from expert Quit Coaches®.
Testimonials from Quit For Life Participants:
"I have quit for life!!! The program really helped me because I knew there was going to be someone calling to see how I was doing with quitting." - Linda Golden
"What a great feeling to be able to breathe again (and breathe quietly)! The little hints from my Quit Coaches were very helpful." - Sue Kahler
"Having encouragement from Free & Clear was a big help. I didn't want to disappoint a counselor who was trying to help me." - Robert Meyers
What does the Quit For Life Program include?
When you join the program a Quit Coach will help you create an easy-to-follow Quit Plan that will show you how to get ready, take action and then live the rest of your life tobacco free. The program includes:
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Access to Web Coach™, a private, online community where you can complete activities, watch videos, track your progress and join in discussions with others in the program
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Easy-to-use printed Quit Guide that you can reference in any situation to help you stick with your quitting plan
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Recommendations on type, dose and duration of nicotine replacement or medication if appropriate (including patch, gum, bupropion or Chantix)
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Free nicotine replacement therapy (patch/gum) mailed directly to your home if appropriate
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Unlimited toll-free access to Quit Coaches, who offer as much or as little support as you need
Who is eligible for the Quit For Life program?
The Quit For Life Program is available to:
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Benefits eligible State and Non State employees who are enrolled in the State Employee Health Plan or who have waived coverage in the plan
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Retirees, spouses and dependents 18 years or older who are enrolled in the State Employee Health Plan
How does someone enroll in the Quit For Life Program?
Enrollment is easy—just call our toll free number 1-888-275-1205 (and select option 3) to get started. A registration specialist will verify your eligibility and transfer you to a Quit Coach to get started. Phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day); coaches are available from 6 am to 2 am daily. You may also enroll online at www.KansasHealthQuest.com by selecting tobacco cessation from the left menu.
How much does it cost to participate in the Quit For Life Program?
HealthQuest is committed to helping our health plan members become free of tobacco, so we are offering this program at no cost to our employees and covered adult family members. Even the cost of nicotine patches or gum is fully covered for up to eight weeks.
Why are we subsidizing this program?
We believe quitting tobacco is an important step to improve one’s health. The health benefits of quitting tobacco start almost immediately and continue for a lifetime. On average, people who don’t use tobacco have lower medical expenses than those who do. Our members will enjoy better health, live longer and save money on healthcare.
What about other forms of tobacco besides cigarettes?
The Quit For Life Program is tailored to the needs of the participants. Whatever the tobacco type—cigarettes, cigars, pipes or even smokeless tobacco—the Quit For Life Program Quit Coaches have the expertise to help you.
Is there evidence that the Quit For Life program works?
The Quit For Life Program has helped more than 500,000 people successfully quit tobacco. In fact, the quit rate is more than twice as high as the standard established by the U.S. Public Health Service and 8 times higher than quitting “cold turkey.” The treatment methods used in the program are supported by the newly revised U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines.
The program was first validated in 1989 through a randomized clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute and the University of North Carolina. The study demonstrated that the combination of self-help materials and telephone counseling boosted quit rates by 50 percent. The program has continued to conduct large, randomized trials to prove its methods and effectiveness over the years and has also received six consecutive awards from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) for achievements in tobacco control initiatives.
Is participation in the Quit For Life Program confidential?
Under federal law, all Free & Clear employees are required to protect the confidentiality of participants’ personal health information. If you have specific questions about how Free & Clear protects participants’ privacy, please contact us toll-free at 1-888-275-1205 (and select option 3).
Additonal Drug Benefit Available Through the
State Employee Health Plan!
Per 30 Day Supply
Generic Drug - 10% to a maximum of $10
Preferred Brand Name Drug - 20% to a maximum of $20
The Plan will pay up to a maximum of $300 per member per year toward the cost of tobacco control prescription drug products. The Plan retains the final discretionary authority on what constitutes tobacco control prescription drug products.
This list of approved drugs* for tobacco control is subject to periodic review and modification:
*BRAND DRUGS IN CAPS; Generic drugs in italics
Present your Caremark ID card at the pharmacy when you fill your prescription.
For questions regarding the drug benefit only, contact Melody Connell at 785-368-6533.
Commit to Quit and you will see the reward in your wallet and in your health!
Download Posters (PDF format)
Preparing to Quit/New Year's Resolution Poster - January
Healthy Heart Poster - February
No Judgement Poster - March
Social Support Poster - April
World No Tobacco Day - May
What's Your Trigger - June
Smoke Free Kansas - July
