| California has often been termed the land of fruits | | | | 500,000 people die because of smoking related |
| and nuts, but I think they may have stumbled across | | | | illnesses. Those are sobering statistics and represent |
| a good idea that may revolutionize the way the rest | | | | a significant cost to Medicare (our tax dollars), private |
| of the country views the left coast. An article in the | | | | insurance (our premiums), and local communities |
| Sacramento Bee discusses the idea of requiring | | | | resources (our local taxes). |
| insurance companies to cover 100% of the cost of | | | | Imagine what impact we could have if smoking |
| any stop smoking medication approved by the FDA. | | | | decreased by 10% across the nation? What would |
| This would include Zyban, Chantix and any of the | | | | that do for our premiums and medicare taxes? Think |
| nicotine replacement therapies that require a | | | | of it, 10% reduction in lung cancer, COPD |
| prescription. | | | | (emphysema), cardiovascular disease - the Big 3 |
| Well, what does this do. It would force the insurance | | | | related to smoking. That would actually reduce the |
| companies to pick up the copayment and/or | | | | risk and thus, reduce the cost associated with the |
| deductible for countless smokers who may be | | | | risk. |
| hesitating to quit due to the cost. And because they | | | | By my math, that would more than pay for the |
| live in California, I can see where they'd want to | | | | intensive care unit admissions, chemotherapy and |
| potentially spend that extra money on things like | | | | other related healthcare expenses associated with |
| food or rent. Now, common sense, tells everyone | | | | smoking that insurers currently have to dole out each |
| that if they are really worried about pinching pennies, | | | | day across the country. |
| then they shouldn't be smoking in the first place. | | | | But again, will the California smokers take advantage |
| After all, a pack of cigarettes can cost on average | | | | of this prospect if it gets signed into law? That is the |
| $5 per day or more, depending on the addiction. | | | | big question. However, insurers should not balk at this |
| Putting that aside though, I wonder if that many | | | | idea as it really is a win-win for them. For those who |
| people will really decide to stop smoking as a result | | | | take advantage of the law, they'll have a greater |
| of the legislation? Will saving some money, really | | | | chance of quitting smoking. For those that don't, well, |
| cause the smoker extra motivation to stop smoking? | | | | the insurer isn't out any extra money. |
| I really don't know the answer to that question. | | | | So, it seems like a no brainer. This also should satisfy |
| But, I believe the senators are on the right track. | | | | liberals and conservatives, because the liberal should |
| Please don't quote me on that, because I can't | | | | like the government telling big pharma what to do, |
| believe I just said it myself. Regardless, it is true. | | | | and the conservative should like the government |
| Smoking currently costs the US over $190 Billion. | | | | giving the little guy a chance to overcome his |
| About 20% of all US citizens smoke and just under | | | | challenging situations. |