The New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Health Care Authority have partnered with BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian, and United Healthcare to assist Medicaid members in quitting tobacco and nicotine. This collaboration aims to utilize the New Mexico Department of Health’s Quitline as a central resource for those seeking help.
For two decades, 1-800-QUIT-NOW has served as a reliable support system for individuals looking to stop using tobacco and nicotine. The new partnership involves Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) unifying their cessation efforts by supporting 1-800 QUIT-NOW instead of maintaining separate programs. This unified approach is designed to streamline services, reduce confusion, and improve care for approximately 832,176 Medicaid members across New Mexico.
"By joining forces in support of 1-800-QUIT-NOW, the Turquoise Care health plans are helping New Mexicans more easily end dependence on tobacco and nicotine, which can greatly reduce co-existing complications and improve overall health outcomes," said Alanna Dancis, Medicaid Chief Medical Officer. "This collaboration is an example of the health plans’ prioritizing their members and working together for the greater good."
The service offers personalized coaching, free nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum, lozenges, culturally responsive quit strategies and tools, along with support for quitting all forms of nicotine including cigarettes and vaping.
"Medicaid members will now receive the same comprehensive quit support no matter which health plan they choose," said Anthony Garcia, Director of the Nicotine Use Prevention and Control program for NMDOH. "This partnership allows everyone to focus on what matters most – helping people quit nicotine for good."
While these services are available through Turquoise Care plans for Medicaid members, NMDOH also extends free quit support to all residents in New Mexico. Enrollment can be done by calling 1-800 QUIT-NOW or visiting quitnownm.org. Spanish speakers can access services by calling 1-855-DEJELO-YA or visiting dejeloyanm.com.
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