Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-693

EHS 693

Tobacco Cessation

Messrs. Richard T. Moore, Michael O. Moore and Brownsberger moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new sections:-

SECTION __.  Chapter 32A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2010 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 17I the following section:--

Section 17J. The commission may provide to any active or 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 nicotine replacement therapy, other evidence-based pharmacologic aids to quitting smoking, and accompanying counseling by a physician, certified tobacco use cessation counselor, or other qualified clinician.

SECTION __. Section 2 of chapter 118H of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

The commonwealth care health insurance program shall provide, as a benefit to participants in the program, coverage for the cost of smoking and tobacco use cessation treatment and information.  Smoking and tobacco use cessation and information shall include nicotine replacement therapy, other evidence-based pharmacological aids to quitting smoking, and accompanying counseling by a physician, certified tobacco use cessation counselor or other qualified clinician.