In 2022, Community Behavioral Health (CBH) conducted surveys that found patients are significantly more interested in quitting tobacco use than providers believed and that current provisions of tobacco use disorder treatment are not meeting patient needs. This is consistent with research that shows despite the high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use, as well as high rates of poverty and behavioral health needs in the Philadelphian population, few patients receive evidence-based tobacco use disorder treatment.

Together, these findings show patients are more ready to quit than providers may realize. Best practices suggest that member readiness for tobacco treatment and cessation options should be assessed at every encounter.

Health Partners Plans (HPP), in partnership with CBH, would like to remind our participating providers of the significant role they play in educating patients of the importance of smoking cessation and resources available to them. We encourage our provider network to offer tobacco recovery resource information and, if necessary, provide tobacco cessation counseling and prescribe cessation medications.

Evidence-Based Practice for Addressing Tobacco Use in All Patients
The CDC has compiled the most recent evidence and clinical guidelines for treating tobacco use and dependence. Providers are encouraged to use one of these tools to help integrate tobacco treatment into routine clinical care.

Visit www.cdc.gov/tobacco/patient-care/clinical-tools to access these resources and for more information.

Tobacco Cessation Counseling Certification
Per MA Bulletin 99-18-10 titled “Enrollment of Tobacco Cessation Providers,” an individual or entity must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) as a Tobacco Cessation Program (TCP) in order to provide Tobacco Cessation Counseling (TCC) services.

HPP and CBH encourages all providers to become TCC certified. HPP has developed a policy on the TCP, and it outlines the necessary steps to become certified. Please visit HPPlans.com/PolicyBulletins to review the policy, titled Tobacco Cessation Program (RB.027.A).

Nicotine Replacement Therapy
The following table lists preferred FDA-approved medications from the PA Preferred Drug List (PDL) that are effective for the treatment of smoking cessation once the patient is assessed for the level of nicotine dependence. We encourage providers to discuss these therapies with patients who express interest in reducing their tobacco use.

 As a reminder, the Pennsylvania Free Quitline (1-800-784-8669) can connect patients with a smoking cessation counselor 24/7. The Quitline is staffed by trained counselors who coach patients to a tobacco-free lifestyle. After speaking with a counselor, patients may be eligible to receive two or more weeks of nicotine replacement therapy at no cost, if eligible.

If you are a physical health provider and have additional questions, please contact HPP’s Provider Services Helpline at 1-888-991-9023 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.). If you are a behavioral health provider, please contact CBH’s Member Services 24/7 Access Line at 1-888-545-2600 (TTY 1-888-436-7482).

Thank you for your support in providing quality of care to our members.