Is the Quit Line really a free service?

Everyone in Alaska has access to free telephone support to quit tobacco. Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line offers up to eight weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges for anyone who enrolls in the multiple-call program. This service is available for uninsured or patients without coverage from their health plan.

Does the Quit Line help with all forms of tobacco use?

The Quit Line helps people successfully quit using all forms of tobacco, including smokeless products such as chewing tobacco and Iqmik.

What happens when a quit coach calls my patient?

A Quit Coach helps patients develop a plan for quitting tobacco, identify personal triggers and make a decision on nicotine replacement therapies. Calls from the Quit Line are modified to fit the needs of each client. These calls can follow a set schedule or can be tailored to the patients’ need. Studies show that the more calls a tobacco user completes with a Quit Coach, the more likely the tobacco user will quit tobacco.

How long does the Quit Line program last?

A typical Quit Line call schedule will be completed within two to six months, depending on how quickly the patient moves through the process of quitting. Quit Coaches are available to help patients establish a new tobacco-free lifestyle and provide them with ongoing support for up to 12 months after they enroll.

Do I need to write a prescription for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) for my patient?

Once a patient enrolls into the multiple-call program, four weeks of NRT (gum, patches, or lozenges) is mailed directly to them. A second four week shipment will arrive after they complete the second call. If a patient would like Chantix, they will need to obtain a prescription from a healthcare provider. Additionally, if a patient is pregnant, a medical release form is required by the provider before NRT is sent to the patient who is pregnant. Youth under the age of 18 cannot receive NRT from the Quit Line, so please work with your patients to figure out what is right for them.

How does the Fax Referral Work?

Download a fax referral form online. The clinic information at the top of the form can be pre-populated with specific clinic or agency information. The patient must sign the completed referral form prior to the provider faxing the form to the Quit Line.  Once the form is faxed to the Quit Line, a Quit Coach will call the patient within 48 hours to begin counseling services.

What happens after I refer a patient to the Quit Line?

The Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line Quit Coach will follow-up with a referred patient within 48 hours. The Quit Coach will begin an initial consultation with the patient, developing a specifically tailored quit plan for the patient. The Quit Line will call the patient as needed and provide support for up to 12 months after enrollment.

How do I know if the Quit Line followed up with my patient?

Referring clinics can request follow-up information by calling the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW. If you have additional questions, please call the State of Alaska Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at (907) 269-2020.