Experts: Smokers may get priced out of health insurance

[thundley4]

WASHINGTON — Here's a possible new cost for people with the cigarette habit.

Experts say millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties under President Barack Obama's health care law

The Affordable Care Act allows health insurers to charge smokers buying an individual policy up to 50 percent higher premiums starting next Jan. 1.

A 60-year-old smoker could wind up paying nearly $5,100 on top of normal premiums.

Younger smokers could be charged lower penalties under rules proposed last fall by the Obama administration.

Workers with job-based coverage can avoid tobacco penalties by joining a smoking cessation program.

First the smokers, then the drinkers, and  next the obese.

[Zeus]

That really isn't anything new.  Back in the day when I was still married & smoked, a life insurance policy for me and my wife, 2 yrs younger and a nonsmoker, for identical coverages the premium for me was about 65 - 70% of the total combined premium.

[Teri]

The only way the insurance companies know you smoke is if you tell them...   Don't do that. 

[Lacarnut]

First the smokers, then the drinkers, and  next the obese.

Wonder if that includes the pot smokers. Queers should have to pay higher premiums also cause they more inclined to get Aids. That will not happen cause liberals love the freaks.

[thundley4]

Wonder if that includes the pot smokers. Queers should have to pay higher premiums also cause they more inclined to get Aids. That will not happen cause liberals love the freaks.

They are one of the protected classes.  Obamacare was never about healthcare, it is about control.

[MrsSmith]

The only way the insurance companies know you smoke is if you tell them...   Don't do that. 

Not so. They can run a blood or urine test to tell.  No doubt they will, too.

[Lacarnut]

Not so. They can run a blood or urine test to tell.  No doubt they will, too.

If the corner wacks you open, he can tell if you are a smoker and then the insurance co. will deny all claims leaving the family with a huge hospital bill. He does not even have to do. Just smell your fingers, hair or clothing. When I quit I was amazed at how I could smell a smoker from a distance. Smokers stink.