Quitting smoking is among the most common New Year’s resolutions. And as of January 1, for a limited time, Colorado Medicaid members will get $10 when they enroll in the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW and ask for the incentive. Coaching and nicotine patches or gum are still free and available to any tobacco users trying to quit. 

“Anyone who has tried to quit tobacco knows how hard it can be,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “The important thing is to keep trying and to access the free help available so you have the support you need to succeed.”

Although nearly 80% of Colorado smokers try to quit every year, few use free support services that are proven to help them succeed. For those who get free coaching and quit smoking medications from the QuitLine, the rate of success is seven times greater than for those who try to quit on their own.  QuitLine coaches are trained, non-judgemental professionals who provide confidential help with understanding triggers and overcoming challenges in quitting tobacco. Quitting is easier when people know what will cause them to want to use tobacco and have a plan to overcome cravings. 

It’s easier than ever to quit smoking, chewing, or vaping with help from the Colorado QuitLine. The QuitLine provides coaching for youth 12 and older. Medications such as nicotine patches or gum are available to those 18 and older. 

Online enrollment takes just a few minutes and tobacco users can get coaching online through chat or over the phone. Ordering free nicotine patches, lozenges, or gum is as easy as shopping online. Just log in, order your product, and let the QuitLine ship it to your door. And everything is free. 

With help from the Colorado QuitLine, this may be the year Coloradans keep their New Year’s resolutions to quit tobacco for good.