Frequently asked questions about COMPASS for
Group Health providers and staff:
- Should providers continue to refer members to COMPASS?
- What other smoking cessation treatment options are available?
- Can patients get Chantix® (varenicline) at Group Health?
- Why isn't Chantix® on the Group Health formulary?
- Who do I contact for more information?
Should providers continue to refer members to COMPASS?
Staff should no longer refer smokers to COMPASS.
You should refer smokers or tobacco users to the Free & Clear telephone or group program. If a member calls Free & Clear, they will be given an opportunity to participate in COMPASS if space is available.
What other smoking cessation treatment options are available?
- All members are eligible for the Free & Clear® Quit for Life ProgramTM at no cost. Call 1-800-462-5327 for more information.
- Free & Clear group sessions are available at no cost to members in the Puget Sound and Spokane areas. Contact the Resource Line at 1-800-992-2279 or go to MyGroup Health under "Classes and Events" for more information.
- Members must be enrolled in Free & Clear to be eligible for nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion at the cost of their pharmacy co-pay.
Can patients get Chantix (varenicline) at Group Health?
Chantix is not covered by Group Health due to the lack of data on long term safety and effectiveness. Group Health continues to offer coverage for nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion for members enrolled in the Free & Clear program. These medications are less costly and have similar outcomes to Chantix®.
Members can request Chantix® but they must purchase it at their own expense. Chantix® costs about $300 for the recommended 12 week course of therapy—or $3.57 a day. In comparison, smokers pay an average of $5.86 per pack for cigarettes in Washington State. Many smokers will have a lower daily cost for Chantix® than for cigarettes.
Why isn't Chantix® on the GH formulary?
Chantix® only received FDA approval in September 2006. While Chantix® is currently in high demand and supported by a widespread marketing campaign, there is limited data on its effectiveness and safety in day-to-day clinical practice. The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee will continue to follow and monitor Chantix®.
Members are still eligible for nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion. These medications have a long and proven history of success in promoting quits with a low incidence of cravings and side effects during treatment.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about the COMPASS project or Project Quit:
- Julie Richards, COMPASS Project Manager
206-287-2100 or richards.je@ghc.org - Emily Westbrook, Project Quit Project Manager
206-287-2822 or westbrook.e@ghc.org
For more information about Chantix (varenicline) coverage issues:
- Jim Carlson, Director of Pharmacy Clinical
Services
206-901-4425 or carlson.j@ghc.org
For more information about Free & Clear or tobacco cessation programs at Group Health:
- Suzanne Swadener, Manager of Medical Support
Services
206-901-4006 or swadener.s@ghc.org