Medicaid members have greater access to "quit smoking” services

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Health Care Authority have joined forces with BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian and United Healthcare to help New Mexicans enrolled in Medicaid to stop or reduce tobacco and nicotine use.

This unprecedented collaboration will leverage the New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Quitline as a comprehensive source for Medicaid members who want help with nicotine use.

For 20 years, 1-800-QUIT-NOW has been a trusted resource for New Mexicans seeking to quit tobacco and nicotine. Under this new partnership, the Medicaid health plans, known as Managed Care Organizations or MCOs, will unify their cessation efforts by supporting 1-800 QUIT-NOW rather than maintaining separate programs. This coordinated approach streamlines services, reduces confusion and enhances care for nearly 832,176 Medicaid members across the state.

“By joining forces in support of 1-800-QUIT-NOW, the Turquoise Care health plans are helping New Mexicans more easily end dependence on tobacco and nicotine, which can greatly reduce co-existing complications and improve overall health outcomes,” said Alanna Dancis, Medicaid Chief Medical Officer. “This collaboration is an example of the health plans’ prioritizing their members and working together for the greater good."

1-800 QUIT-NOW provides comprehensive quit support, including:

• One-on-one personalized coaching. 
• Free nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges). 
• Culturally responsive quit strategies and tools. 
• Support for quitting all forms of nicotine, including cigarettes and vaping.

"Medicaid members will now receive the same comprehensive quit support no matter which health plan they choose,” said Anthony Garcia, Director of the Nicotine Use Prevention and Control program for the NMDOH. "This partnership allows everyone to focus on what matters most - helping people quit nicotine for good.”

While 1-800 QUIT-NOW services are available to Medicaid members through their Turquoise Care plan, NMDOH also provides free quit support to all New Mexicans.

Residents can enroll by calling 1-800 QUIT-NOW or visiting quitnownm.org. Services are also available in Spanish by calling 1-855-DEJELO-YA or visiting dejeloyanm.com.

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Afiliados de Medicaid obtienen mayor acceso a servicios para “dejar de fumar”.