The Provincial Government has enhanced the Smoking Cessation Program for individuals in the province experiencing low income. The program, launched in 2014, aims to improve access to medications and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to support people in quitting smoking by contributing to the cost of these products for individuals eligible under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP).
Since the inception of the Smoking Cessation Program, $1,068,000 has been allocated annually for the program, with approximately 9,450 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians having availed of it. Research has shown that quitting smoking results in direct and indirect cost savings to the health care system.
A 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey reports smoking prevalence for Newfoundland and Labrador is 20.8 per cent and smoking prevalence among persons living with a total household income less than $20,000 annually is higher at 31.6 per cent. Individuals living with low income tend to smoke more heavily, experience more diseases caused by smoking and, while they are just as likely to make attempts at quitting as those living with higher incomes, they tend to have less success in quitting. The enhancement to the Smoking Cessation Program will assist individuals with low incomes in their efforts to quit smoking.
Effective April 1, 2022, the provincial Smoking Cessation Program includes the following enhancements:
- An individual can receive an additional 12 weeks of treatment under the special authorization process of the NLPDP of a prescription drug (Champix® or Zyban®) or a NRT (patch, gum, lozenge or inhaler), extending treatment from 12 weeks to 24 weeks within a 365 day period;
- To provide additional support for control of cravings, an individual can access two smoking cessation therapies in combination (i.e. at the same time), under the special authorization process of the NLPDP;
- Nicotine Quick Mist will be added as a benefit under the special authorization process of the NLPDP to be used in combination with Champix, Zyban or Nicotine patch in patients who require additional control of cravings and have had an unsatisfactory response with another short acting NRT (gum, lozenge or inhaler); and,
- Client co-payments will be reduced from $75.00 per 12 weeks of treatment to $18.00 per 12 weeks of treatment.
All beneficiaries aged 18 and over under the Foundation, 65Plus, and Access Plans of the NLPDP are eligible for coverage under the Smoking Cessation Program.
For more information, individuals can contact the Smoker’s Helpline at 1-800-363-5864 or click here.
Quotes
“Our government understands the importance of equitable access to tools and services to help residents quit smoking. This smoking cessation model has proven successful. With these program enhancements, we aim to provide greater support to those looking to quit smoking and improve their overall health and well-being, as we continue to focus on better health care for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“These enhancements to the Provincial Smoking Cessation Program will make it easier for more individuals who smoke to access the most effective treatments for tobacco addiction. The program now provides more options and flexibility to support and empower individuals in their personal quit-smoking journey.”
Mary Lynn Pender
NL Smokers’ Helpline Director
– 30 –
Learn more
Information on Quitting Smoking
Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca
Mary Lynn Pender
NL Smokers’ Helpline
709-722-7867
marylynn.pender@nf.lung.ca