Obamacare and Smoking

[Jeffwhosoever]

Obamacare to Hit Smokers with Huge Penalties

Millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties in President Barack Obama's healthcare law, according to experts who are just now teasing out the potential impact of a little-noted provision in the massive legislation.

The Affordable Care Act — "Obamacare" to its detractors — allows health insurers to charge smokers buying individual policies up to 50 percent higher premiums starting next Jan. 1.

For a 55-year-old smoker, the penalty could reach nearly $4,250 a year. A 60-year-old could wind up paying nearly $5,100 on top of premiums.


Obamacare to Hit Smokers with Huge Penalties

 

[MachZer0]

Death panels

 

[praying]

I have no sympathy for smokers.

 

[Redac]

Don't smokers already get charged more than non-smokers? What's the story here?

 

[dogs4thewin]

Death panels

How is that in and of itself death panels?

 

[MachZer0]

Don't smokers already get charged more than non-smokers? What's the story here?

How much more should they be charged?

 

[MachZer0]

How is that in and of itself death panels?

They came for the smokers, and I did nothing because I didn't smoke...

 

[Bubbahotep]

And people think I'm nuts when I tell them government run healthcare will open the door to the government dictating our lives and behavior to us.

 

[dogs4thewin]

They came for the smokers, and I did nothing because I didn't smoke...

Do what are you saying that in effect smoking is how you will get healthcare?

 

[wing2000]

Frankly, I'm tired of paying for other people's poor choices in life through higher insurance premiums (yes, we collectively pay for their behavior).

 

[wing2000]

And people think I'm nuts when I tell them government run healthcare will open the door to the government dictating our lives and behavior to us.

Paying more for a higher rate of health services consumed is not dictating to anyone.

 

[Steve Petersen]

Frankly, I'm tired of paying for other people's poor choices in life through higher insurance premiums (yes, we collectively pay for their behavior).

Then you must go really nuts when people abuse emergency rooms for non-serious medical issues.

And people who over-eat

People who over use tanning booths

People who don't practice good oral hygiene (dental costs)

People who drive small cars (greater chance of injury in accidents)

People who don't wear helmuts when driving motorcycles

Etc, etc, ad infinitum....

 

[GarfieldJL]

Do what are you saying that in effect smoking is how you will get healthcare?

'They came for the obese people, but I said nothing cause I'm not obese...'

What is it with people and not having a clue about history...

MachZer0's comment is a variation of something that people here should recognize, and yes it in fact does apply here.

I'm going to see if any liberal here understands how this is not only relevant but downright scary, I doubt you'll be able to figure it out though.

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

Then you must go really nuts when people abuse emergency rooms for non-serious medical issues.

And people who over-eat

People who over use tanning booths

People who don't practice good oral hygiene (dental costs)

People who drive small cars (greater chance of injury in accidents)

People who don't wear helmuts when driving motorcycles

Etc, etc, ad infinitum....

How horrible! These are as bad as assault weapons! Ban everything! Cell phones especially! Iphones and Blackberrys!

Talk about a slippery slope.

 

[Bubbahotep]

Paying more for a higher rate of health services consumed is not dictating to anyone.

Forcing people to buy insurance and then allowing smokers to be gouged is the gov effectively dictating to you how you live your life. Sure, you can do otherwise...if you can afford it.

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

Forcing people to buy insurance and then allowing smokers to be gouged is the gov effectively dictating to you how you live your life. Sure, you can do otherwise...if you can afford it.

Anyone eating bacon should be taxed more. You know this stuff ain't good for ya!

 

[MachZer0]

Do what are you saying that in effect smoking is how you will get healthcare?

 

[MachZer0]

Anyone eating bacon should be taxed more. You know this stuff ain't good for ya!

Let's not forget all those Starbucks customers elevating their blood pressure

 

[TheOtherHockeyMom]

I thought the heart of fiscal conservatism was not having to pay for others, especially those who make poor choices. If smokers have higher medical costs than non smokers, how can requiring both groups to pay the same rate be justified with conservative thought?

 

[MachZer0]

I thought the heart of fiscal conservatism was not having to pay for others, especially those who make poor choices. If smokers have higher medical costs than non smokers, how can requiring both groups to pay the same rate be justified with conservative thought?

The problem is the government deciding the rate and singling out a group.