Quit Tobacco Program Continues Free Prescription Benefit

Quit Tobacco Program Continues Free Prescription Benefit

Quit Tobacco Program Continues Free Prescription BenefitCHEYENNE — Wyoming smokers can take advantage of a free prescription medicine option to help them quit by enrolling in the Wyoming Quit Tobacco Program (WQTP), according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).

“We want to be sure Wyoming smokers who are ready to put cigarettes behind them understand how they can benefit from the free three-month prescription to Chantix our program now offers,” said Vitaliy Kroychik, tobacco prevention specialist with WDH. “Chantix has helped many people successfully quit smoking.”

Kroychik outlined the easy steps to receive the medication:

Advertisement - Story continues below...

1. Enroll today. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.quitwyo.org online to enroll. You’ll be connected with a trained quit coach. Let your coach know you would like to receive free Chantix (varenicline) as a part of your custom quit plan.
2. Place the order. The quit program will place an order for Chantix for eligible members with Ridgeway Pharmacy.
3. Talk to your doctor. Request a Chantix prescription from your primary care physician. They should fax the prescription to Ridgeway Pharmacy (402-642-6050).
4. Receive your Chantix. Call Ridgeway Pharmacy at 406-642-6040, provide your address, and the prescription will be delivered directly to your home.

“Our program in Wyoming offers great tools and support for smokers trying to quit,” Kroychik said. “We want people to know we can help them find the plan that works best for them and we want to help ensure cost is not a barrier to someone who wants to quit,” he added.

Kroychik said free nicotine replacement gum, patches or lozenges are also available, as well as free phone or online support.

“We know people who want to quit smoking have a much higher chance for success if they have a plan that includes tools such as medication or nicotine replacement gum or patches, combined with coaching or similar support,” Kroychik said.

Free Chantix prescriptions are available through June 30 and are expected to continue beyond that date as WQTP funding allows.