Wellness Wednesday: Can Medicare Help You Quit Smoking
b'Each year more than 480,000 people in the United States die from illnesses related to tobacco use. This means each year smoking causes about 1 out of 5 deaths in the US. Smoking cigarettes kills more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, HIV, guns, and illegal drugs combined.\\n Not only does smoking increase the risk for lung cancer, it\\u2019s also a risk factor for cancers of the:\\n\\u2022\\tMouth\\n\\u2022\\tLarynx (voice box)\\n\\u2022\\tPharynx (throat)\\n\\u2022\\tEsophagus (swallowing tube)\\n\\u2022\\tKidney\\n\\u2022\\tCervix\\n\\u2022\\tLiver\\n\\u2022\\tBladder\\n\\u2022\\tPancreas\\n\\u2022\\tStomach\\n\\u2022\\tColon/rectum\\n\\u2022\\tMyeloid leukemia\\nMedicare can help you quit smoking. Medicare Part B covers up to 8 face-to-face visits with a healthcare professional for Smoking and Tobacco use Cessation counseling in a 12-month period. A qualified doctor or other Medicare practitioner must provide these visits. All people with Part B who use tobacco are covered and you pay nothing for the counseling sessions if your doctor or other health care provider accepts Medicare assignment.'