The BC government program to help smokers quit by paying for nicotine patches and gum, and covering prescription smoking cessation drugs under PharmaCare, began on Spetember 30, 2011.
Nicotine Gum or Patches
Eligible BC residents are able to get one 12-week course of treatment of gum or patches at no charge. You must have active BC Medical Services Plan coverage to be eligible. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic medical condition, or take regular medications, check with your pharmacist or doctor before registering.
To register, call HealthLink BC at 811. Once you are registered you can either pick up your gum or patches at a pharmacy or have them mailed to your home.
Prescription Smoking Cessation Drugs
The smoking cessation drugs bupropion (Zyban®) and varenicline (Champix®) are covered under PharmaCare. Patients must be registered for Fair PharmaCare, the BC income-based prescription drug plan, and must get a prescription from their doctor.
For full details see BC Smoking Cessation Program, from the BC Ministry of Health.
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Comments
I quit smoking 3yrs ago.I had a 50+yrs.habit. The last few yrs.had me smoking 2-3 packs a day. No need to tell you the cost of that! in $$$. Anyhow my point is,if I or anyone can throw away that kind of money then why the hell should Tax payers foot the bill for people to quit??.when that money could be better spent on people that have to toss up between food or medication. It don,t make sense!. At the very least people on this program should definately have to pay the tax payers back. I,d sure like to know the % that do quit.Pretty low I,d bet. I went cold turkey after trying various aids that didn,t work. That was because Willpower,& the TRUE! DESIRE to stop is what count,s. Hope this comment doesn,t fall on deaf ears. Mike.B.
Just looking for the tel# to sign up i want to quit smoking