Chapter 32A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 17K the following section:-

Section 17L. The commission shall provide to any active and retired employee of the Commonwealth who is insured under the group insurance commission a smoking and tobacco use cessation treatment benefit. Smoking and tobacco use cessation treatment and information benefits shall include (1) screening for tobacco use; (2) coverage for at least 90 days of all FDA-approved pharmacologic aids per quit attempt; and (3) coverage for at least 300 minutes of individual, group and telephone counseling to be performed by a physician, certified tobacco use cessation counselor, or other qualified clinician. The benefit must be covered at least twice per year. Cost-sharing and prior authorization requirements are prohibited.