[SheLion]

Smokers just keep on taking the abuse. I can't understand it.

And I am really suspicious about the extra money being milked from the smokers......is it REALLY going into some kind of health fund? Why should the smokers pay for EVERYBODY'S health care? What about the fatty's? Why doesn't the BOSS weigh all the employees, and anyone who is overweight, pay $1.00 per each pound of fat that they are overweight until they lose the blub?

Obesity is costing far more in health care today. Even the Surgeon General has a report out that obesity has passed smoking for health care and disease. So, why aren't the fat people being charged extra money as well?

OBESITY LINKED TO HIGHER RATES OF CHRONIC ILLNESS AND WORSE PHYSICAL QUALITY OF LIFE THAN SMOKING, DRINKING OR POVERTY THREE OF FIVE ADULT AMERICANS ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE

[SheLion]

Smokers are not a financial burden as been implied: Smoking-related healthcare costs are a pittance to overall healthcare costs (8% in my state of Maine). If every smoker quit, healthcare costs would go down only temporarily and then rise above the amount you are complaining about now, because nonsmokers get sick too and for more years.

Smokers more than make up for their extra cost by dying (their choice-not yours) sooner; collecting less social security and pensions, and less time in nursing homes. The state tax on cigarettes is all gravy. This is all backed up by facts.

[cinFLA]

some who do and some who don't cough up the smoker's fee each month.

Interesting choice of words.

[Just another Joe]

"It's called a smoker's fee,' said Bill Lynes, the county's head of compensation. "It goes into a fund that helps defray the cost of health insurance for the larger group.'

Number 1 - If I'm paying $120 a year I better be in a private club with smoking privileges.
Number 2 - Do you see where that EXTRA money goes? It's not for the extra costs of the SMOKERS' insurance. It goes to EVERYBODIES insurance.
Someone needs to sue.

[lsee]

Hey, SheLion, you've raised an interesting question...and what about those who engaged in risky sex practices? Or who drink to excess? Or misuse drugs? What are they going to charge those who have cancer genes when genetic testing hits its stride? Something needs to be done about the rising cost of health care, but docking a smoker's pay is not the way. I think they're setting themselves up for some interesting legal wrangling in the future.

[Onelifetogive]

So, why aren't the fat people being charged extra money as well?

Because there are more of us! We have political power.

[verity]

An alternative would be to deprive smokers of all health insurance coverage.:~)

[Phantom Lord]

Gay men have shorter life expectency (sp?) than smokers. When will they start charging gay men these expenses, as well as jacking up their insurance premiums because of their dangerous lifestyle?

[apillar]

I am a non-smoker but I believe that if I ever had the extreme misfortune of working for L.A. I would leave the question blank and write a little note that it is none of their business what LEGAL products I have used or not used in the last 12 months.

[Great Dane]

"It's called a smoker's fee,' said Bill Lynes, the county's head of compensation. "It goes into a fund that helps defray the cost of health insurance for the larger group.'

There is that bulls... again, where and when is it going to stop.

[A CA Guy]

Democrats are considering a $100 a pack tax in CA to erase the debt I hear!

[sheik yerbouty]

California should ditch the bear on the state flag. It should be replaced with Fran Drescher as "The Nanny".

[altair]

In any event, almost no one has complained, county officials say.

Sad. Somebody should sue.