Penalty could keep smokers out of health overhaul
WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of smokers could be priced out of health insurance because of tobacco penalties in President Barack Obama's
health care law, according to experts who are just now teasing out the
potential impact of a little-noted provision in the massive legislation.
The Affordable Care Act —
"Obamacare" to its detractors — allows health insurers to charge smokers
buying individual policies up to 50 percent higher premiums starting
next Jan. 1.
For a 55-year-old smoker, the penalty could reach nearly $4,250 a year. A 60-year-old could wind up paying nearly $5,100 on top of premiums.
Younger smokers could be charged
lower penalties under rules proposed last fall by the Obama
administration. But older smokers could face a heavy hit on their
household budgets at a time in life when smoking-related illnesses tend
to emerge.
Workers covered on the job would
be able to avoid tobacco penalties by joining smoking cessation
programs, because employer plans operate under different rules. But
experts say that option is not guaranteed to smokers trying to purchase
coverage individually.
Insurers won't be allowed to charge more under the overhaul for people
who are overweight, or have a health condition like a bad back or a
heart that skips beats — but they can charge more if a person smokes. (Continues at Yahoo News)
Thanks to JustOneMinute blog for pointing this out.
Thanks to JustOneMinute blog for pointing this out.
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