Does Medicare Pay For Counseling to Quit Smoking?

Since 1964 the U.S. Surgeon General has cautioned against smoking and the health hazards it poses. In later years, it has reported that quitting smoking leads to significant risk reduction for certain diseases as well as other health benefits. These benefits occur even in older adults who have been smoking for years.

Medicare will cover smoking cessation counseling for beneficiaries who are diagnosed with a smoking related disease including:

• Heart disease
• Various cancers
• Stroke (cerebrovascular disease)
• Lung disease
• Weak bones
• Cataracts; and
• Blood clots

If you take a medication whose effectiveness is complicated by smoking, you may be eligible for smoking cessation counseling. These medications include:

• Insulin
• Some high blood pressure medications
• Some depression medication; and
• Some medications for blood clots

Medicare will cover 8 counseling sessions in a 12-month period as long as they are ordered by your doctor.  These sessions must be provided by a qualified doctor or other Medicare recognized practitioner.