INSURANCE

Q:My New Year’s resolution will be to quit smoking. Does Medicare offer support to help me give up tobacco?

A:Congratulations the While decision quitting to become on isn’t making easy, a nonsmoker. there are many support systems and resources that can help you quit. Let’s begin with Medicare. All people with Medicare Part B who use tobacco are covered for up to 8 visits of smoking and tobacco-use cessation in a 12-month period. A qualified doctor or other Medicare-recognized provider must provide these visits. If you are prescribed medication to help you quit, Medicare Part D may cover the cost of your prescription. Check with your Medicare Part D Prescription plan for more information on your coverage.

Medicare will not pay for stopsmoking hypnosis sessions. Overthe-counter treatments, including nicotine patches or gum, are also not covered by Medicare Part D.

Put your Medicare Advantage plan’s dental benefits to work for you. Once you quit, set up an appointment to get your teeth cleaned. It will help to discourage any future tobacco use. If you are concerned about whether your lungs have already been damaged, you and your doctor can decide whether lung cancer screening is right for you. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers lung cancer screenings with Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) once per year if you meet all these conditions: • You’re age 55-77.

• You don’t have signs or symptoms of lung cancer (asymptomatic). • You’re either a current smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years.

• You have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack (20 cigarettes) per day for 30 years).

• You get a written order from your doctor.

Medicare Advantage Plans will cover the same preventive services as Original Medicare as long as you are seeing the plan’s approved in-network providers.

Additional help is available through the State of Ohio by calling 1-800QUIT NOW. They will provide you with strategies that are proven to work so you can quit tobacco for good. The quitline tobacco cessation program is free.

Good luck with your New Year’s resolution to give up tobacco. The benefits of quitting will be well worth your efforts. If you have questions concerning life, health, Medicare supplement insurance, Advantage plans or other insurance questions. I can be reached at 440255-5700 or Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com.