Tobacco Cessation Program
Prescription aids, nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and quitline access — covered under preventive care, surfaced through enrollment-action nudges rather than awareness campaigns.
Why "Just Quit" Doesn't Work
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known. "Just quit" advice ignores the biological reality of withdrawal, the behavioral conditioning of daily rituals, and the emotional triggers that sustain smoking patterns.
The evidence is clear: combined therapy (counseling + medication) doubles quit success rates compared to willpower alone. Yet most employees who want to quit don't know their plan covers cessation support at no cost-share.
How NudgeWell Helps
NudgeWell surfaces tobacco cessation resources through enrollment-action nudges, not awareness campaigns. We don't broadcast "resources available" — we reach specific employees with specific next steps at specific moments.
🍟 Open Enrollment Quit Nudges
Open enrollment is the highest-intent moment for quit decisions. NudgeWell sends targeted nudges to employees during open enrollment windows, focusing on plan features that cover cessation aids — NRT, prescription therapy, and quitline access.
Enrollment Action · $0 preventive care · Multi-channel🥦 NRT Prescription Nudges
Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) is covered as preventive care under the ACA — at no cost-share when obtained with a prescription. NudgeWell surfaces this benefit, with Amazon Pharmacy CTAs for NRT products eligible for FSA reimbursement.
ACA Preventive Care · FSA-eligible · Amazon Pharmacy CTA📞 Counseling Access Nudges
Individual and group tobacco cessation counseling is covered as preventive care under the ACA at no cost-share. NudgeWell identifies employees with relevant plan features and sends nudges linking to in-network behavioral health providers.
ACA Preventive Care · Telehealth available · Instacart CTA📞 State Quitline Integration
Each state runs a quitline (1-800-QUITNOW) offering free counseling, NRT samples, and quit plans. NudgeWell surfaces state quitline access via enrollment-action nudges — especially effective during open enrollment and year-end when employees are reviewing their benefits.
Free · All states · 24/7 supportFSA & HSA Eligible Services
NRT (Patches, Gum, Lozenges)
Covered as preventive care at no cost-share (with Rx per ACA). FSA-eligible without Rx.
Prescription Cessation Medications
Chantix, Zyban, and generic alternatives covered as preventive care per ACA.
Behavioral Counseling
Covered as preventive care at no cost-share for in-network providers.
State Quitline
Free for all residents. Includes counseling, NRT samples, and quit plans.
Telehealth Cessation Counseling
Covered as standard medical visits. Telehealth may have co-pay.
Smoking Cessation Apps
Employer-paid wellness apps (if included) may cover cessation support tools.
Evidence-Based Quit Approaches
Research supports a hierarchy of effectiveness for tobacco cessation. NudgeWell can help with all tiers:
- Combined therapy (NRT + counseling): ~3x more effective than unaided quit attempts
- Prescription medication (Chantix, Zyban): 2–3x more effective than placebo; requires physician engagement
- NRT alone: ~2x more effective than unaided attempts
- Behavioral counseling: Effective alone; synergizes with pharmacological support
- Quitline: Comparable effectiveness to in-person counseling; free and anonymous
- Cold turkey: Lowest success rate; not recommended as sole strategy
Your Action Steps
- Call your state quitline. Dial 1-800-QUITNOW (or 1-800-784-8669). It's free, confidential, and available 24/7. They'll build a quit plan with you in the first call.
- Ask your doctor about prescription aids. Chantix and Zyban are covered as preventive care under the ACA at no cost-share. A doctor's visit to get a prescription costs less than a month of cigarettes in most states.
- Use your FSA for NRT. Nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges are FSA-eligible. If you have remaining FSA funds, stock up — the math on daily smoking costs vs. NRT costs is one of the clearest ROI arguments in benefits.
- Check your plan's quit benefit. Log into your NudgeWell portal to see what your specific plan covers for tobacco cessation. NudgeWell surfaces your coverage tier and any prior authorization requirements.
Your benefits already cover quit support
Connect your benefits profile in the NudgeWell employee portal to receive enrollment-action nudges about tobacco cessation coverage, FSA deadline reminders for NRT, and quitline access — all personalized to your plan.
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