“I need the patch, but I am having trouble getting through on the phone to sign up,” Ian Smith (not real name) said.
The 42-year-old construction worker, a smoker since age 16, was finding it difficult to register with the new BC Smoking Cessation program.
“Don’t give up,” I said sympathetically.
The new provincial program that provides coverage for stop-smoking aids to British Columbians has been wildly popular since its launch on Sept. 30.
Smokers have said for years that the cost of smoking cessation medications is one of the biggest barriers to quitting. Now that the province is helping to offset the costs people are signing up in droves.
Unfortunately, that success has meant waiting a little to get through to HealthLinkBC, but wait times are getting shorter, especially in the evenings between 7 and 10 p.m., and on weekends.
By calling HealthlinkBC at 811, people can register to receive up to 12 weeks of free nicotine patches or gum per year.
They can also access PharmaCare coverage for medications, such as Zyban or Champix, with a doctor’s prescription. People don’t need to call 811 to register for the prescription drugs. The actual financial coverage depends on their PharmaCare plan.
So is a patch or pill a magic bullet? It’s always a good idea to discuss medications with your doctor
However, research shows that when a person is ready to quit, stop-smoking medications can double the chances of success. They’re even more effective when used in combination with counselling or other supports.
That’s where QuitNow Services fits in. QuitNow is free, confidential and available 24/7.
People can join an online community forum with other quitters, get confidential advice by phone or sign up to receive quit tips by text.
QuitNow and HealthLinkBC have partnered to ensure a seamless customer experience between the two services, with good results. In the first seven weeks, more than 7,000 people have been engaged with QuitNow Services through the phone, web or text messaging.
For more information, visit HealthLinkBC at www.healthlinkbc.ca, PharmaCare at www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare, or QuitNow Services at: www.quitnow.ca.
Trish Hill is a senior tobacco reduction co-ordinator with the Interior Health Authority.
