Tobacco Cessation Program "Craving to Quit"

As part of Wellness and Disease Management (WDM) benefit, CareFirst Members may have access to "Craving to Quit", a mindfulness-centered smoking cessation program created by Dr. Jud of MindSciences and offered through Sharecare.
* Always refer to the customer service associate for potential costs associated with the program.

What is available to Members?

Telephone Support
1:1 Health coaches integrate cognitive-behavioral and motivational interviewing principles to help tobacco users develop strong self-efficacy and a non-smoking self-image. Coaching is tailored to each member depending on their readiness to quit and other health conditions. The online and telephonic program assesses the member’s obstacles to quitting tobacco and personal motivation to quit. The program allows the health coach and member to discuss the effects of tobacco use on one’s health and the associated risks (e.g. respiratory issues, cancer).

Online Support and Tools

• Online access* to a social community of others who are participating in the Program (peer-to-peer interaction)
• Quit tips, texts, and personalized emails at the Member’s request
• Step-by-step workbook
• A newsfeed within the online platform, which encourages a community setting and discussion for tobacco cessation

* Members must complete the online health assessment to participate in the online program.

What is the criteria for member selection?

1. Members must be 18 years or older
2. Members must have a quit date set within the next 30 days
3. The member is identified for outreach through online health assessment, biometric screening results and/or claims data
4. It is critical for providers to regularly identify smokers, advise them to quit and offer evidence-based cessation treatments that match their lifestyle

How do I refer a member to the Craving to Quit program?

1. Members can call to self-refer: 877-260-3253 and press option #7 or
2. A PCP or Care Coordinator can refer the Member into the program as part of a care plan or as a standalone benefit via the Service Request Hub.

What are the best practices when making a Service Request Hub referral?

1. Check Benefits (“CareFirst WDM Benefit”) on Benefit Page* in iCentric before making a referral.
2. Advise the Member to expect a call.
3. Current phone numbers are critical for telephonic outreach, as well as best day and time to call.
4. Toll-free number should present on the caller ID (877-260-3253). However, we cannot control how the Member’s phone carrier chooses to represent the number within their system.

What happens after referral?

1. Once a Member either self-refers or is identified to participate in the Telephonic Tobacco Cessation Coaching Program, a Health Coach is assigned to the Member for outreach.
2. Within three business days of receipt of the Service Request, the Health Coach calls the Member to obtain consent, discuss the Member's goals, discuss frequency and schedule a follow-up appointment call.
3. For Members in active care plans, service requests will be closed by the care coordinator upon completion or end of treatment. If the care plan has closed, the service request hub will close the service request at the completion of counseling.

When has the member completed the program?

1. The member graduates from their program, but can continue to get support post-quit
2. The member voluntarily or involuntarily terminates from the program
3. The member is no longer covered by CareFirst

Learn More:

Sharecare acquires MindSciences, fortifies platform with best-in-class digital therapeutics for anxiety, tobacco and overeating (Press relase 6-3-20)

Hacking Your Brain’s “Reward System” to Change Habits