Vent about my health insurance company.... UGH

akhensley81 · February 2010

So I've been trying to quit smoking - because I do not want to be one of these brides who sneaks out of her own reception to have a cigarette. Plus my FI is all over my case to quit. Cold turkey didn't work... the gum is horrible... patches make me sick to my stomach... I don't have the cash to fork out for hypnosis or acupuncture or any of that crap. So I went to to my doc and got a prescription for Chantix.

I specifically called my health insurance company last week to double-check and make sure it was covered by my insurance. Because this stuff is expensive. They told me yes, it's covered.

Brought the script to the pharmacy today... and guess what happened?

WTF!!! You would think as a health insurance company they would be somewhat interested in helping you be healthier! I've been trying to call them but of course, 15 minutes on hold and I don't have that kind of patience. GRRRR!!

Any other brides out there who successfully quit smoking before your wedding... I'm up for any ideas!!

lchamnes · February 2010

You should stay on hold with them. It may be one of those drugs you need pre-approval for. It'll be worth it to be able to live (and marry) smoke-free!

TTnoles · February 2010

I agree with PP, sometimes insurance companies give you hassles like that b/c they think you will tire of the fight and give up...keep at it with them.

notquiteblushing · February 2010

My insurance covered Chantix but it was a $50 co-pay. I quit cold turkey. Good luck!

dees14 · February 2010

I quit smoking almost 2 years ago after 8 years of smoking. I read the book "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" By Allen Carr (which I completely credit with being the reason I am happy to be a non-smoker) and I joined the forums on becomeanex.org. I'd definitely recommend both!

akhensley81 · February 2010

nyrek: Good points. I've heard about the side effects of Chantix... I also know a lot of people that it has worked for.

dees: I actually just bought that book. I was thinking I'd hit the book when I start the Chantix... hit it with a "double-whammy," so to speak. Going to start it this weekend, Chantix or no. I've heard all kinds of good things about it. I'm a little skeptical... but interested!!

SteveandKris · February 2010

Chantix can give you some nasty dreams... If they still don't cover it, you do have other options.

You might also want to try Zyban (its the same as Wellbutrin) - some companies won't cover Zyban (the stop-smoking aid) so get your PCP to write it as Wellbutrin - the insurance company certainly covers depression medication. Its also generic now. GL

ChocolateDiamond1 · February 2010

Yes.. make sure you call and check on the coverage - I work for a major insurance carrier and I have found that is one medication that requires prior-auth to be covered. And you may want to try wellbutrin - some insurances do not cover the medication just for the quit smoking benefits - however wellbutrin is known to help with that however is an anti-depressant so covered a little better

jenandcris · February 2010

Hey! I've never smoked because my lungs are too sensitive (I feel like I wheeze for no reason sometimes...). I just wanted to say that FI quit cold turkey. He smoked since he was like 13 or so and he finally quit when we got together when he was 22. He's been smoke-free ever since! Just wanted to say good luck!

akhensley81 · February 2010

Update.... finally got a hold of someone at my insurance company. As it turns out, they would normally cover it except that my employer has chosen not to participate in the Smoking Cessation coverage. This totally surprised me, because my HR Director - and the woman who manages our insurance plan - is one of the people who has been totally on my case about quitting.

I just sent her an email to find out if there's anything they can do... but I'm willing to bet the response will be that it's too expensive or something. Ugh. I guess I'll just have to come up with something else.

Why isn't it enough that I just want to quit??? I hate this.

swtasa · February 2010

I'm going to be quitting too but I'm using one of those no-nicotine no-smoke electric cigarettes. My problem isn't the withdraw but the action of not having my cigarette...

One word of caution about Chantix, it has other really nasty side effects outside of the chance of depression(and it's a rather high rate of depression too)

When I took the chantix 1. It messed wtih the effectiveness of some of my other medications because it messes with the dopamine receptors. 2. prepare for side-effects similar to people with ADHD... like stopping in the middle of sentences and switching topics 3. Chantix can cause psoriasis.... if you've never had big huge red scaley patches on random parts of your body that itch and hurt like all hell... I'm telling you it is NOT fun. You'll go to the doctor freaking out because you suddenly became some kind of mutant fish/person hybrid only to find out this is a possible side effect that is 'rare' but not all that rare really...

So yeah... never doing that again.. ever

Just ya know giving you a heads up

akhensley81 · February 2010

I actually tried Chantix once before and the only problem I had was the dreams... which weren't that bad in the scheme of things because I'm already a pretty vivid dreamer. If I didn't eat something when I took the pill, it would make me sick. But that was as easy to fix as eating a Pop-Tart.

That quit went sour because about five days in (I hadn't actually even quit yet, was still letting the medication build up) my grandfather passed away and my FI got laid off from his job. I know that stuff is always going to happen and I can't control that, but the timing just made me throw in the towel.

I've pretty much given up on getting the prescription now though. I cannot justify the cost without insurance coverage (yes... before anyone chimes in, I understand I spend at least that much on cigarettes... but the idea is to stop the spending, not make it worse).

I bought that Allen Carr book and started reading it this weekend... very interesting theories. I think I'm going to take his approach and go from there. Will definitely update you ladies!!

phatkat811 · February 2010

I quit a few years ago. I "smoked" (no lighting) cinammon sticks while I was driving when the cravings got bad. I also wrote on an index card "Reasons Why I Don't Smoke", came up with 10 good reasons, and kept it with me at all times. I'd pull it out when the cravings hit. I also had a couple of friends who were willing to let me text them when I really really really wanted a smoke and couldn't stand it anymore and was going to die and they'd talk me down. Honestly, I didn't have to utilize them that much because the thought of doing it was enough. Plus I can't lie to my FI (we were dating at the time) and I knew I'd have to admit it to him if I caved and smoked.

That combo was what worked for me. Maybe parts of it will be helpful to you.

Vent about my health insurance company.... UGH

Re: Vent about my health insurance company.... UGH

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