• Free tobacco cessation aides: Chantix, Zyban or Nicotrol Inhaler are prescriptions that are covered on the medical insurance at 100 percent for all with prescription coverage.
  
  

• AHEC free Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Call 87-QUIT-Now-6 (877-848-6696) to learn about free groups and seminars in the area. “Tools to Quit” is a 90 minute seminar where participants receive information on how to successfully become a non-tobacco user.
   

• American Cancer Society: 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345); is a toll-free telephonic counselor support program
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• American Lung Association: Freedom from Smoking; peer support smoking cessation on-line program. The Freedom From Smoking® program, provided by the American Lung Association, is considered the "gold standard" of group-setting, peer-support smoking cessation programs. This is a free online smoking cessation program. Learn more about this program and how to sign up.
  
• Sarasota County Health Department offers free nicotine patches and a class. Participant must have a prescription for the nicotine patch from their medical provider and agree to take a one-time class from AHEC. Additional details: 941-552-1280
  

• Florida Quit-for-Life line, a free service provided by the American Cancer Society, provides a telephonic counselor support system to help you design a plan to quit. The Quit-for-Life Line can be reached by calling 1-877-U CAN NOW (877-822-6669). Five free telephone coaching sessions are offered, as well as free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. A smoking quiz can be found on the American Cancer Society Web site. After the quiz is completed, the site estimates your level of addiction and the best way for you to quit.
  
  
• Tobacco Free Florida: A Web based, self-paced cessation program that offers free patches, gum or lozenges.

• Hypnosis
  What is hypnosis?
  
  According to the Mayo Clinic, hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is an altered state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist and is different from your everyday awareness. When you're under hypnosis:
  
  
  • Your attention is more focused
  • You're more responsive to suggestions
  • You're more open and less critical or disbelieving

The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being. Hypnosis for smoking cessation is not covered by the County's health insurance plans.

• Acupuncture
  What is acupuncture?
  
  Acupuncture is a technique in which very thin needles of varying lengths are inserted through the skin to treat a variety of conditions. Some say it works to alleviate a multitude of conditions, while others disagree. No matter the treatment you are pursuing, make sure to research the effectiveness and potential risks. Sarasota has several qualified acupuncture practitioners.

The POSII and AHF both cover acupuncture, as follows:

• POSII members: $30 co-pay per visit, up to 20 visits per calendar year
• AHF members: 80 percent after deductible, up to $600 annual maximum benefit

There is no network for acupuncturists; therefore, any licensed acupuncture physician that you receive covered services from will be considered in-network for claims processing purposes. Note: you may have to pay the provider and submit the claim yourself unless they are willing to do this for you. A claim form can be found at on the Wellness forms page. Along with the claim form, you will need to submit a receipt with detailed information including date of service, amount charged, provider, CPT codes used and number of units.