Posted on 07/13/2011 7:20:11 PM PDT by Eric Blair 2084
Arizona has a major public health problem: Too few people are smoking.
Thats not the only fiscal problem the state faces. But its one of them. Like many states, Arizonas public finances are in miserable shape. And much of the states budget trouble can be attributed to a decade-old decision to finance an expansion of low-income health insurance coverage with revenue dependent on tobacco industry profits.
A little more than a decade ago, the state grew its low-income health insurance rolls, claiming the new enrollees would be paid for by revenue from a deal with tobacco industry. Now, with smoking rates (and tobacco industry revenues) falling, a budget crisis brewing, and a growing number of individuals eligible for Medicaid, the state has chosen to pare back its health coverage for low-income adults.
Starting July 8, the states Medicaid program will implement changes expected to reduce the programs rolls by 117,000 single, childless adults over the next year. After much delay, the Obama administration last week finally granted Arizona permission to go through with the cuts, but only grudgingly. "We regret the action Arizona is taking," a federal Medicaid official told The Arizona Republic.
(Excerpt) Read more at reason.com ...
Here’s one recent blog on the health care costs for smokers and non-smokers.
http://ckmurray.blogspot.com/2011/06/smoking-decreases-health-costs-to.html
There’s studies and research out there for the costs of smokers versus non - you just have to dig for it - the media PR against smoking is the white noise that covers them.
Also, smokers who buy a pack a day pay $368 per year in federal taxes towards funding the SCHIP program...this is on top of state taxes that go towards health care...and roads....and salaries.
The non-smoker is a heavier burden on the health care system and all government systems in general.
‘Buy a Pack today Comrade’
Follow the link to the article about health care costs for smokers and non smokers.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-04-08-fda-tobacco-costs_N.htm
“the New York Association of Convenience Store Owners estimates that as many as half of all cigarettes consumed in the state lack proper tax stamps.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.