Co-pays Eliminated for MassHealth Members Seeking Materials to Quit Smoking and Vaping

Important Changes to MassHealth Member Co-Pays for Products and Medications that Help People Quit Smoking and Vaping

What is changing?

MassHealth has eliminated co-payments on products that help people quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like gum, patches, and lozenges. Effective immediately, this regulation extends to all MassHealth members.

Why are co-pays being eliminated for these products?

As a result of a public health emergency in response to confirmed and suspected cases of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products in the Commonwealth. In response, MassHealth is focused on ensuring its members have access to products to help them quit smoking or vaping, including NRT products.

What should members know?

MassHealth members do not need to pay anything out of pocket for products to help them quit smoking, including prescription medications and over the counter products like gum, patches, and lozenges. 

Some medications, like Chantix, are only available with a prescription from a health care provider. MassHealth members do not have to pay anything out of pocket for them.

MassHealth members under the age of 18 need a prescription from their health care provider to get nicotine replacement therapy, including over the counter products.

Pharmacists should assist MassHealth members in accessing appropriate products at no cost to the members.

For more information:

If members have any questions regarding their pharmacy copayments, they can contact MassHealth Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900 (TTY: 1-800-497-4648). For information about quitting smoking or vaping go to Mass.gov/QuitVaping or visit the Helpline at MakeSmokingHistory.org