Smokers Pay More

In class this week we discussed how insurance companies sometimes charge more for people who are obese, smoke, etc.

Recently, the South Carolina State Budget and Control Board approved a change that states that public employees that smoke will have to pay $25 more a month for health insurance. This will begin January 2010.

It is estimated that this new law will affect almost 100,000 state employees. Right now the higher rate would be charged per policy not per person; however, South Carolina’s Governor is leaning toward charging the fee for each smoker.

While some may disagree with this policy, I think that it is an excellent ideal. Why should people who opt for a healthier lifestyle pay for those who choose otherwise? Smoking related health problems are preventable, therefore, smokers should have to pay more. Besides, maybe laws such as this will have positive results such as making people stop smoking.

http://www.thestate.com/local/story/490653.html