Tobacco Cessation benefits expanded for KanCare Patients

NAMI Kansas

Great news for your patients!  The FY 2019 legislative budget recently signed into law by Governor Jeff Colyer includes authority for expenditures up to $350,000 for expansion of the tobacco cessation benefits in KanCare. Individuals covered by KanCare are now eligible to receive up to four rounds of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) each year with no lifetime caps as well as ongoing cessation counseling services. This legislation replaces the previous limitation of one quit attempt per year and the limitation on counseling to pregnant women. This means that all individuals who are covered by KanCare and want help in quitting tobacco now have access to both NRT and counseling services, which together are considered best practice for increasing the chances of long-term recovery from tobacco use.  The policy change is effective July 1, 2018. Please share this information with office staff and patients!