MN HF3153

Medical assistance must cover tobacco and nicotine cessation services, drugs, and counseling provided by qualified health care practitioners including physicians, mental health professionals, counselors, and community health workers consistent with evidence-based practices.

Telephone cessation counseling services through quitline services operated by or under contract with the commissioner of health must be covered, with payment rates established in consultation with the commissioner of health.

All FDA-approved prescription and over-the-counter pharmacotherapy drugs for tobacco and nicotine cessation or dependence treatment must be covered without restrictions on dosage, frequency, duration, quantity limits, or simultaneous use of multiple drugs.

The commissioner must not restrict service type, duration, or frequency; prohibit simultaneous use of counseling and drugs; require counseling before drug treatment; impose step therapy or prior authorization; or require co-payments or deductibles for covered tobacco and nicotine cessation services and drugs.

No co-payments or cost-sharing apply to tobacco and nicotine cessation services and drugs under medical assistance (Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs), and participating health plans and entities must comply with these coverage requirements.