Last week, while I was waiting in line at the grocery store, I noticed the person in front of me sighed deeply after hearing the price of a pack of cigarettes. Their expression seemed to say, "I'm really going to quit this month," and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

Coincidentally, next Thursday, November 19th, is the Great American Smokeout. This is a day organized by the American Cancer Society since 1977, held on the third Thursday of November each year.

The request for this day is surprisingly modest. It's simply to try to go 24 hours without smoking or to set a quit date.

However, from what I hear from the Korean community around me, the issue of money often comes up before willpower. Many people don't even consider going to the doctor because they've heard that smoking cessation medications are expensive.

Today, I want to clarify that aspect. Getting smoking cessation medications covered by insurance is less complicated than you might think.

First, let's talk about the Affordable Care Act, or ACA. The ACA mandates that preventive services rated A or B by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force are covered without cost-sharing, and smoking cessation support falls under this category.

The guidelines issued by the Department of Labor and CMS are quite specific. They guarantee at least two attempts to quit smoking per year, including four counseling sessions and a 90-day supply of FDA-approved smoking cessation medications for each attempt.

The key point here is that there is no cost-sharing and prior authorization is not required as a principle. Of course, there are exceptions with some grandfathered plans, so you should definitely check which category your plan falls into.

FDA-approved smoking cessation medications include prescription drugs like varenicline and bupropion, as well as nicotine replacement products like patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays.

Interestingly, products like patches and gum that can be purchased over the counter still require a doctor's prescription to be covered by insurance. If you just grab them off the shelf, you'll pay out of pocket, but if you bring a prescription, it will be processed through insurance.

A friend of mine didn't know this a few years ago and ended up buying patches out of pocket for several months. Later, when the pharmacist said, "Why didn't you get a prescription?" they felt quite frustrated.

So the process is simple. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, clearly state that you want to quit smoking, and consult about which medication is right for you.

Once you have a prescription, check if that medication is on your insurance company's formulary, which is the list of covered drugs. Sometimes, even if the active ingredient is the same, a generic may be covered while the brand name is not.

For those using Medicare, it's a bit different. Part B covers smoking cessation counseling up to eight times a year, and medications are covered under Part D or Medicare Advantage plans that include drug coverage.

Part D typically covers prescription medications like varenicline or bupropion, but there may be cost-sharing depending on the plan. On the other hand, patches or gum purchased without a prescription are generally not covered by Medicare, so it's best to check with your plan in advance.

If you don't have insurance or are unsure about your coverage, don't worry too much. Georgia has the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line operated by the Department of Health.

The number is 1-877-270-7867, or if you remember it in English, it's 1-877-270-STOP. You can receive free, confidential phone counseling.

Eligible residents aged 18 and older may receive a free four-week supply of nicotine patches or gum, but this is subject to availability, so be sure to confirm your eligibility when you call.

You can also call the national number 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which will connect you to your state's smoking cessation hotline. If you're uncomfortable with English, you can request an interpreter.

Honestly, I find it a bit upsetting that there's such a huge gap between those who know about these programs and those who don't. Just one piece of information can make the difference between spending hundreds of dollars or not.

Fairness ultimately means everyone starts from the same starting line. I believe that smoking cessation support shouldn't be a benefit that only those who speak English well can access.

One thing I want to emphasize is that what works for one person may not work for another. Choices can vary based on other medications you're taking or your health status, so always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

And having someone to consult with makes the process feel much less lonely. Quitting smoking is like a marathon; having someone to hand you a glass of water along the way makes it easier to go the distance.

If it were me, I wouldn't set November 19th as my quit day; I'd use it as a starting point. I'd send a portal message to my doctor that day and search for smoking cessation benefits on my insurance app.

A small action can open a surprisingly big door. That sigh over the price of a pack of cigarettes might just be the first signal.

If you know someone who wants to quit, feel free to share this article with them. Sometimes a link is less hurtful than a lecture.

Lastly, let me ask you: Did you know that you could get smoking cessation medications covered by insurance, or is this the first time you're hearing about it?

Please leave a comment saying whether you knew, if this is your first time hearing it, or if you've already received it. I'll share the results in the next post.