New Obamacare Premium Hikes for Smokers

[flyguy]

If all of the new state laws and taxes aren't enough, look at THIS .
I guess Nancy Pelosi was right; we had to pass the bill to find out what was in it.

 

[Perique]

I've been spending more than I'm fully comfortable with on tobacco in anticipation of depraved, Canada/UK style taxes. Over the long term, those taxes will take a bite out of blenders pockets as more people cut back purchases and fewer people take up the hobby. This may not have dramatic impact on the big guys, but could hurt the smaller blenders, in some cases causing them to halt production or sell to a big player.
Sad.

 

[ace57]

Stay smoking and pay pay. Quit smoking get fat and pay pay. They got it covered ether way.

 

[Perique]

What upsets me about this (on the premium and tax side of the issue) [and this is not meant as a political comment, just reality] is the unscientific and purely political measures we use to determine who pays what. For example, look at the chemical intake of the average Westerner in terms of their diet: preservatives, corn derivatives, and any number of artificial ingredients. But the producers of these chemicals contribute big, big money to the campaigns of all of our politicians - we won't be banning wood pulp or HFCS any time soon, nor will we be taxing it or increasing premiums on consumers of these products. But pipe smokers will pay, and be thrust into the same category as other tobacco users (like cigarette smokers).

 

[Perique]

"And another thing!" Seriously though, the obesity thing is another ultra-grey area. What is "obese"? Sure, we know it when we see it. But how does the state determine this? BMI? BMI is a joke -- completely disregards those who are athletic, weight lifters, etc. It's a very blunt instrument. So will everyone have to report for visual inspection before determining their premium classification?

 

[lonestar]

Sorry, I cannot comment without offending.

 

[rotschefeller]

I live in europe and over here we have all the high taxes on anything "luxury" (i.e., not necessary, VAT) and socialist medicine, it's all a nightmare. Stock up on your pipe tobacco now, American friends, and avoid getting sick at ALL COSTS!

 

[zonomo]

Again, not a political comment but as soon has you hand your health care over to the Gov'mt, they will have the perceived right to regulate your behavior, what you can and can't eat/drink. Eventually it will be what you can and can't do (motorcycle skydive, etc). Nothing new here folks. Its the law. All these issues were brought up before but ignored. We voted them in so we should look in the mirror if we have complaints.

 

[brian64]

I guess Nancy Pelosi was right; we had to pass the bill to find out what was in it.

Yes, and just in case anyone is not aware, she really did say that. Boggles the mind.

 

[instymp]

But what about Non Smokers that smoke Hippy Cabbage? Not talking down either. As I smoke, drink, overwieght & old.

 

[flyguy]

Why do they lump pipe and cigar smokers with cigarette smokers. Sounds like a one size fits all policy.

 

[flyguy]

I'm not actuary, but it would seem to create a bigger "high risk" pool, thus increasing the extra premium cost for all smokers resulting in more money for the insurance company and their ability to claim this also reduces the premiums of non-smokers as well.

In other words it's all about the money and the politician's time-honored practice of robbing an unpopular minority to give to the more popular majority.

 

[cortezattic]

Disgusting. The world is truly in a miserable state.

 

[bigboi]

Well that is just awesome :? I wonder if they are going to hike up Obama's premiums because he smokes cigarettes?

 

[joshwolftree]

so I looked it up I'm six one and 31 my "target weight" according to the Military is listed as between 140 and 180, in basic I dropped below the minimum, and I'm currently at 205ish that puts me in both high risk categories "fun fun" and at 180 you can count my ribs

 

[bschoenb]

I love the New Health Care Plan..... or at least I should; since the majority has spoken in the last election, we should live with the Grand Plan of our dear Leaders.
Resistance is Futile; you will be assimilated... We are the Borg
;-)

 

[rhogg]

Ideal weight can be evaluated correctly by trained professionals who will take the sex, age, body fat percentage and body type into consideration. The U.S. Army, for example, developed such a system and it worth quite well (of course some of the heavier solders didn't agree with me though).

I failed every Army weigh in I ever took. They just looked the other way because they all knew I was one of the fittest men(boys) in the entire battalion. If you utterly decimate the PT test, and blow by everyone in the run yet fail the "tape test". You begin to wonder how the Army comes up with such crap. They definately must have left out the cro-magnon consideration in their measurements. My weight and height told them I was fat, so they taped me which said I was fat. You could pinch me anywhere and realise I was merely covered in a thin layer of skin tightly stretched over wild animal.

 

[locopony]

Elections have consequences. All were forewarned of the past two so either band together like the gun owners or stuff it in ya pipe and smoke it.
Continue to vote contrary to your own way of life. That is all.

Good day.

 

[zonomo]

I wonder - how do "they" know you are a smoker? Did Obamacare include a provision to install cameras in every home?

 

[cynyr]

I agree with Lonestar!!