Section 4FF. (a) An individual or group health maintenance contract that is issued or renewed within or without the commonwealth shall provide coverage for: (i) tobacco use cessation counseling; and (ii) all generic United States Food and Drug Administration–approved tobacco cessation products without cost sharing when prescribed by a health care provider.

(b) Carriers shall be permitted to employ reasonable managed care techniques consistent with state and federal law to determine the frequency, method, treatment or setting for the recommended item or service; provided, however, that covered persons shall have access to at least 1 tobacco cessation product without prior authorization.