Arizona considers tax on smokers and obese Medicare reduce costs

Arizona considers tax on smokers and obese Medicare reduce costs -

To fight against a deficit of 1.5 billion $ in Arizona, the state has envisaged some controversy moves health insurance program for low-income, Medicaid. Arizona currently offers Medicaid coverage to more people than most states, but is very serious about reducing their deficits.

The idea most recent cost reduction of Arizona is a Medicaid tax on childless adults who are obese or who have diabetes and do not follow the recommendations of doctors. There would also be a burden on people who smoke that would be $ 50 per year according to The Associated Press.

Monica Coury, a representative of the system of cost control in health care in Arizona said: "He [the tax] engages the consumer to start having a greater awareness of their place in the greatest puzzle of health care ... We want to be able to provide health care to people. And we want to stretch our dollars as far as we can. Part of that is engaging people to take better care of themselves. "

Many companies and governments began to see people who are not fit or smoke higher premiums for their coverage. However, this new plan would be the first time a health care program and the federal state has charged people for unhealthy lifestyles.

critics believe if this plan is passed then the states will be able to put more taxes on people with chronic diseases. But Arizona legislature has to pass the plan and the federal government should also approve.

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