Arizona to tax the poor for smoking or being fat

[Vocalek]

Health Beat: Arizona's "Fat Tax" Punishes the Poor

At issue is the latest plan to help Arizona make up for its $1.15 billion budget shortfall and planned 28% cut to the state’s Medicaid program. The idea is to require certain childless adults—those who are obese and fail to follow a doctor-ordered weight-loss plan; those who are chronically ill with a condition like diabetes and don’t adhere to recommended treatment; and smokers—to pay a $50 surcharge.
If instituted, the plan is projected to add about $500 million to fill the budget deficit. It would also signal the first attempt ever to penalize Medicaid recipients for what the state deems “unhealthy behaviors” that drive up health care costs. “If you want to smoke, go for it,” said Monica Coury, spokeswoman for Arizona's Medicaid program. “But understand you're going to have to contribute something for the cost of the care of your smoking.”

 

[moonlessnight]

I pay taxes I pay for my insurace I'm tired of being told what to do. Its my life not the goverments.

 

[James Wall]

Ah , the poor, the smokers, the obese. Meet the second class citizens.

 

[rothenbj]

"The idea is to require certain childless adults". That is a very interesting stipulation. So if you have a child, you're exempt from the tax?

Anyway, adding additional expenses to the poor will certainly help with the budget <sarcasm>.

 

[Vap0rJay]

So if my doctor smokes, or is over weight, is depressed, etc -- do I get a free pass since he can't follow his own damn advice ?

Or...

How about we add 95% salary tax for each senator or congressman that sides with lobbyist vs the American vote and passes legislation that goes against the will of "we the people for the people?" We'd fix the entire economy over night!