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Break Free from Tobacco: How TRICARE Can Help You Quit

Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. It takes dedication, time and resources to successfully drop your cigarettes and chewing tobacco habit. But it’s worth it. Kicking the habit can have numerous health benefits, from reducing your risk of serious diseases like lung, mouth and throat cancers and heart disease, to improving the health of your loved ones exposed to secondhand smoke.

And you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers covered products and services to help members become tobacco-free.

What Services Does TRICARE Cover for Tobacco Cessation?

TRICARE provides assistance for tobacco cessation in two main categories: prescription drugs and nicotine replacement products.

Prescription Drugs
TRICARE covers prescription drugs for tobacco cessation that are in the TRICARE formulary. You can get these drugs through TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery and military pharmacy, at no cost to you.

Nicotine Replacement Products
TRICARE also covers over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement products such as gums, lozenges, patches, inhalers and nasal sprays. Again, you’ll get these products for free when you utilize your TRICARE pharmacy benefits. But be aware, you need a prescription for OTC products.

Who Is Eligible for TRICARE Covered Tobacco Cessation Products?
If you live in the U.S., you’ll be eligible to use TRICARE covered products to quit tobacco if you’re 18 or older and not eligible for Medicare.

For those overseas, both active duty service members and active duty family members, 18 years or older who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime Overseas, are eligible to get assistance from TRICARE by accessing tobacco cessation products.

Counseling Services
TRICARE also covers tobacco cessation counseling services if you’re 18 or older and live in one of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. However, you must use Medicare for counseling services if you have TRICARE For Life or are eligible for Medicare.

Additional Resources for Quitting Tobacco
There are a number of useful tools to assist you in quitting tobacco. The Department of Defense’s YouCanQuit2 program provides coaching, online tools, and in-person support locators to help you quit tobacco. Plus, you can check with your local military hospital or clinic to see if they offer tobacco cessation programs.

When you’re ready to quit, don’t forget to create a quit plan that fits your needs. Quitting tobacco is within reach.

Stay Informed on Your TRICARE Benefits
Finally, make sure you’re up to date with TRICARE developments. Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page to create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more, delivered right to your inbox.