Health Insurance Quotes (1 quote)
Like other addictions, tobacco use can be effectively treated. A wide variety of behavioral interventions have been used for years. In recognition of the important role that nicotine plays in maintaining tobacco use, nicotine replacement therapy is now available. Nicotine gum has been shown to relieve withdrawal symptoms following smoking cessation, and may enhance the effectiveness of behavioral treatments. These treatment measures should be made more widely available to smokers who need them. Unfortunately most party payors do not provide coverage for smoking cessation treatments. On the other hand, treatment for alcoholism and illicit drug use is often covered. And we should eliminate this double standard.
From press conference (16 May 1988) by C. Everett Koop for Surgeon General’s Report-Smoking & Nicotine Addiction being released that day. [In the present time, through the Affordable Care Act many public and private plans are required to cover all seven FDA-approved quit-smoking medications —Webmaster.]
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
(1987) -- 
