Tobacco Cessation

Free Resources

Whether you are attempting to quit tobacco for the first time or the last time, the following free resources will help you achieve your goal. Participate in one-on-one coaching, receive free tobacco cessation products (patches, gum, and lozenges), or attend a support group online or in-person.

text tobacco-free together

Resources for GatorCare Members

Tobacco Cessation Products and Medications

To help you quit, GatorCare covers certain tobacco cessation products and medications at 100%.* The products and medication covered under any GatorCare health plan include:

  • Nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, lozenges, spray, and inhalers
  • Oral medications such as varenicline and bupropion SR.

GatorCare covers these products for up to 180 days of therapy per benefit year. Additional fills beyond 180 days per calendar year will follow benefit and formulary coverage guidelines. A prescription is required to receive this benefit. Please see your medical provider to obtain a prescription.

*For a full list of tobacco cessation medications covered at 100% for GatorCare members, please view the Pharmacy Look-up Tool. Eligible products and medications will be labeled with the following:

Label - Smoking cessation: Limited to 180 days supply per year

For questions regarding this benefit, email us at gatorcarewellness@shands.ufl.edu.

One-on-One Coaching

Research shows you are three times more likely to succeed quitting tobacco when you combine coaching with cessation aids. When you are ready to quit, we are here to help. Connect with your GatorCare Wellness Team for one-on-one coaching to help you reduce or eliminate your tobacco usage.

  • To set up an appointment or for more information, contact Andy Greenhaw, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Certified Health Education Specialist.

Community Resources

Tobacco Free Florida

Tobacco Free Florida offers free smoking cessation programs such as Phone Quit, three one-on-one calls with a coach to help you create a personalized quit plan and start your quit journey (if medically appropriate for individuals 18 years or older), and Web Quit, which offers access to live coach support via text and chat, and automated text support. For additional tools and information, visit Tobacco Free Florida.

University of Florida AHEC

Looking to quit nicotine use of any kind – vaping, hookah, tobacco, cigarettes, or cigars? The UF Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program in partnership with Tobacco Free Florida offers free tobacco cessation classes to help you quit. Participate in a one-time, two hour Tools to Quit class and receive two to four weeks of free nicotine replacement products (if medically appropriate for individuals 18 years or older). Classes are offered twice a day Monday through Friday and are available in-person and online. Visit UF AHEC to sign up for your class. All classes are open to the public.

Florida AHEC Network

Find a tobacco cessation program near you. The Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network consists of 10 centers throughout the state of Florida providing health professional education and support, including free tobacco cessation services. Click on your county under “centers by county” to learn more about programs near you.

More Information

Electronic Cigarettes- What’s the Bottom Line?

Vaping Information for Parents, Educators, and Health Care Providers

Questions about the tools and resources available to GatorCare members? Contact us at gatorcarewellness@shands.ufl.edu.