Smoking Addiction & Recovery Support Group
The CDC claims that nicotine is a "very addictive drug" that can be "as addictive as heroin or cocaine." Nicotine is typically eliminated from the body within 2 to 3 days, however, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms may last for much longer depending on the individual. If you are trying to kick the habit, this community is dedicated to giving smokers the...
I was talking to my mom on the phone yesterday, she's 69 and lives alone. We were discussing my quit and she mentioned that she'd really like to try to quit again with Chantix but that her insurance won't pay for it and it's too expensive for her. This got me thinking, how the hell can insurance companies NOT pay for smoking cessation treatments?? I have Aetna and they won't pay a singe dollar toward my Chantix prescription ($140 per month). They have also indicated that I'll have problems getting my therapist's fees paid for because he put the treatment code in as smoking cessation treatment. If he had just put psychotherapy no problem.
Excuse me? Isn't smoking the single biggest cause of health related expenses in our country? It seems to me that either health insurers, Big Tobacco or , ideally, BOTH should be forced by federal and state regulators to foot the bill for any and all expenses related to smoking cessation. I realize that nonsmokers might say "hey, that's not our problem you chose to smoke we shouldn't have to pay for it" but the sad truth is they'll pay even more for every person who doesn't quit.
I did offer to pay my mom's expenses for Chantix and she's considering it.
Excuse me? Isn't smoking the single biggest cause of health related expenses in our country? It seems to me that either health insurers, Big Tobacco or , ideally, BOTH should be forced by federal and state regulators to foot the bill for any and all expenses related to smoking cessation. I realize that nonsmokers might say "hey, that's not our problem you chose to smoke we shouldn't have to pay for it" but the sad truth is they'll pay even more for every person who doesn't quit.
I did offer to pay my mom's expenses for Chantix and she's considering it.
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Is anyone here allergic to Sulfa that is currently taking Diamox? I have been diagnosed with IH now for almost 2 years. I am allergic to Sulfa drugs meaning that my throat will swell up so my Neurologist put me on Topamax. I was suffering from major loud whoosing noises and the topamax helped that but everyday I still hear those mainly between 6 - 12 pm. I am at my wits end and have not went...
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My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...
I am not surprised. Insurance companies are gamblers. They weight the odds like any casino. They ensure themselves in a winning position. Bottom line is at 140$ per month, your mother is not a good risk in their eyes. Easier to not pay given the high percentage of people who quit smoking that start up again. Why throw good money out to bad is their philosophy. However, I can't say they are all like that as my policy does cover the Chantix which of course I am terrified to try. Only because I don't like pills of any nature.
It is very generous of you to pick up your Mom's Chantix tab and money well invested in my mind. You have the emotional attachment that might help her dump this sick habit of ours. I wish you nothing but the best.
I bit the bullet and figured given the cost of cigarettes and asthma meds I was better off buying Chantix. Not to mention the motivation one has when you have to cough up that $130 for the script.
It was a difficult decision to make, but well worth the money. I don't spend and money on cigarettes now and I can feel my lungs healing.
BTW... insurance companies usually cover viagra, but NO NOT cover birth control pills.
It is, IMO, bordering on criminal that insurance companies' focus on on their short-term bottom line instead of the long-term health of the people sending them money.
Like mickyg said, the odds of a person quitting smoking on any particular try are slim, so they see a "failed" quit attempt as lost money. They don't see the overall big picture of long-term addiction recovery where nicotine is concerned.
Insurance companies, especially health insurance companies, should not be for-profit and publically traded. Their allegience should be to their clients, not to their shareholders.
*stepping down now*
Shevie