While that might be true in some cases it almost certainly isn't in other cases.My parents are a great example.Both were major league smokers.My Mom died,at 52,of lung cancer.She spent some time in hospitals but not nearly as much as many do today (there was a lot less they could do for you back then).My Dad,OTOH,developed COPD (smoker's lung disease) and,for the last 15-20 years of his life,was in and out of hospitals regularly.IOW,I think the "system" saved $$$ in my mother's case but most certainly did *not* in my father's case.
54% of the doctors in this poll would simply tell them tough, go away and die, when they first presented with a smoking related illness. Even given everything folks say and think regarding behavior that leads to poor health, that poll result scares me somewhat. We’ve come a long way and unfortunately it seems to be the way of the culture of death.
Less people smoke now than ever and health costs have never been higher. I know there are tons of other variables, but there is no evidence smokers cost the system. 30 years ago it seemed everyone smoked and my medical insurance was probably 10% of what it is now, adjusted for inflation. Targeting smokers is just using a scapegoat to distract from the real problems. I have been smoking for 20 years and I have been to the doctor a total of one time in the last 6 years and that was because I got the flu, unrelated to smoking... and that visit was paid out of pocket toward my $3,000 deductable.