How will I know if I should be using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other drug therapy?
Information you provide to the Program
Counsellor will assist him or her in determining
whether or not you may benefit from NRT. A
Program Counsellor may also advise that you
visit your doctor for further assessment and
possible prescription of another smoking
cessation drug therapy.
Who is eligible for reimbursement of smoking cessation products/prescription drugs under the extended health plan?
Smoking cessation coverage is included as a benefit
under the extended health plan for employees of the
BC public service or other organization with
coverage under the BC public service benefit plan.
Employees must be eligible for benefits and enrolled
in the extended health plan. Please ensure you are
eligible for reimbursement prior to purchasing your
quit smoking aids. To check eligibility you can
contact your HR department or Pacific Blue Cross
Coverage is also provided to eligible employees’
family members who are spouse/dependents under the
extended health plan.
If you wish to be reimbursed, you must register in
the Quittin’ Time program first by calling the quit
line at 1 877 455 2233 before purchasing any smoking
cessation product/ prescription drug.
Pacific Blue Cross will only reimburse for smoking
cessation products/prescriptions purchased in the 6
month period following your registration in the
Quittin' Time Program. Claims must be received by
Pacific Blue Cross before June 30th of the following
calendar year.
What coverage does the extended health plan provide for smoking cessation products/prescription drugs?
Coverage for smoking cessation under the extended
health plan will include nicotine replacement
therapy (NRT) products and eligible prescription
drugs such as Nicorette gum, Nicorette inhaler,
Habitrol, Nicotrol, transdermal nicotine patches
(e.g. Nicotrol and Nicoderm patches), Prostep,
Champix, nicotine resin, bismuth and Zyban.
You will be reimbursed to a maximum of $300 per
calendar year to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 per
individual. Reimbursement is subject to the normal
plan rules such as the annual deductible and
applicable health benefit plan percentage limits.
If you have any questions regarding reimbursement or
specific products covered under the extended health
plan, please contact Pacific Blue Cross in the lower
mainland at (604) 419-2600 or toll-free at
1-888-275-4672.
How do I claim for reimbursement under the extended health plan?
To be eligible for the smoking cessation benefit
under the extended health plan, you must first
register with the Quittin’ Time program by calling 1
877 455 2233. After speaking with a counsellor, they
will forward you a Registration Confirmation.
Pacific Blue Cross requires a copy of your
Registration Confirmation form to process your
claim.
The extended health claim form is available at:
www.pac.bluecross.ca/pdf-bin/100/10-60-025.pdf.
Mail your completed form to Pacific Blue Cross at
the address provided on the claim form with your
Quittin’ Time registration form and receipts for
smoking cessation products attached.
Can I use my Pacific Blue Cross pay direct drug card for my prescription?
Pay Direct is not available for the smoking
cessation products/prescription drugs.
Why am I required to register with Quittin’ Time to be eligible for the smoking cessation benefit coverage under the extended health plan?
Research has shown that more comprehensive programs
that include counselling have a much higher success
rate for participants. This program has been
designed to help give you the tools and support to
help you accomplish your goal.
Is there any coverage for therapies other than prescription drugs and nicotine replacement therapy, such as hypnosis, acupuncture, or laser treatment?
The extended health plan provides for acupuncture
treatments performed by a medical doctor or a
registered acupuncturist payable to the maximum
health benefit plan limits. Hypnosis and laser
treatments are not an eligible benefit.
 | 
