INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Two state agencies are taking steps to make it easier and cheaper for Indiana residents to quit smoking.

The policy changes were announced Monday by the State Department of Health and Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration.

State health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says she’s issued an order effective Aug. 1 to allow Hoosiers to buy tobacco cessation products at pharmacies without a prescription. That’s expected to make those products less expensive and easier to obtain.

FSSA Secretary Dr. Jennifer Walthall says Indiana Medicaid will also begin reimbursing health care providers for tobacco cessation counseling for expectant mothers who want to quit smoking or using other tobacco products.

Walthall says Indiana Medicaid will also remove copayments for tobacco cessation products for pregnant women and those who’ve given birth within one year.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC.